DHARAN, Feb 11: The month-long standoff between the management of BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKHIS), Dharan, and the protesting teachers and staff has come to an end.
The impasse was resolved after a six-point agreement, which included the resumption of the stalled promotion process starting from February 18, was reached between the two sides.
Following the agreement, the protesting teachers and staff have suspended their civil disobedience movement, which had been ongoing since January 14, and have resumed their work. Additionally, students have concluded their nine-day relay hunger strike after assurances of class resumption.
"After the executive committee fulfilled our demand for the interview schedule, we have agreed to return to work," stated Seraj Ahmad Khan, the president of the Teacher’s Welfare Society.
The Executive Committee meeting of BPKHIS held on Friday night decided to initiate the agenda to continue the stalled promotion process. After the decision, a written agreement was reached between the four officials of the BPKHIS and the Teacher’s Welfare Society, Staff Welfare Society and Student Welfare Society.
It is also mentioned in the agreement letter that the interview will start from February 18 and will be completed according to the schedule and results will be published within a week after the interview.
Moreover, the agreement ensures that the BPKHIS's management will refrain from taking any action against teachers and employees involved in the civil disobedience movement. It also pledges support from the BPKHIS in addressing any legal challenges that may arise in the future.
Furthermore, the agreement emphasizes the importance of minimizing the impact on students' studies and commits to taking immediate action to mitigate any damages through mutual understanding. All parties involved have committed to refraining from activities that could disrupt education in the future.
BPKHIS had issued an advertisement for internal promotions on February 3 and February 8, 2023, and had commenced interviews. However, the promotion process was halted following the appointment of Dr Prahlad Karki as Acting Vice-Chancellor some eight months ago.
Before advancing the promotion process, the teaching staff also staged several protests.