Although hired as permanent staff by the government, these low-level workers are yet to receive any facilities. "We only get a fixed salary," complained Gobinda Bahadur Poudel, coordinator of the struggle committee of the agitating school staffers.
The protesters gathered in Kathmandu on Monday to draw the attention of the prime minister, education minister, among others, toward their problems.
"The teachers were able to make the policymakers guarantee all their demands, but no one was there to advocate for our rights," said Poudel.
Chalise was indicating toward the provision in the Education Act 1971 which states that the school employees would be appointed by the Teachers' Service Commission (TSC) and paid by the schools. But after the government adopted the policy of free education, the schools struggle to pay them salary.
The government fixed the salary of Rs 6,200 for office assistants and Rs 8,500 for accountants In 2006. "That is all we receive for our service. No provident fund, no retirement scheme or sick leaves are being offered," mentioned Poudel. Their salary has also not been increased for a long time.
In 2010, the disgruntled staff moved the Supreme Court seeking an order against the government to ensure their rights. The court ruled in their favor, ordering the government to address the grievances of the protesting groups.
"Government's reluctance has prompted several others to file cases in this regard, but both the prime minister's office and education office have turned a deaf ear so far," said Advocate Kosh Raj Kafle, the lawyer for the employees.
The struggle committee again went to the court recently demanding action against the authorities who have remained defiant to the verdict. The hearing on the same is scheduled for Tuesday.
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