The representatives of the eight political parties have expressed commitment to create a ‘conducive environment’ for smooth conduct of the SLC examination scheduled to begin from April 4. At an all-party meeting at the education ministry the other day, the participants said that no bandhs or strikes would be called in view of the exams. In addition, an all-party committee would be formed at the district and central levels to ensure that no such activities are organised that would affect the exams. Given the series of bandhs that have virtually crippled the education sector, the decision is timely and thus should be welcomed by all.

Time and again, the Office of the Controller of Examination (OCE) has appealed to the parties and other agitating groups not to organise strikes during exam times. But the education sector has always been targeted, leading to frequent closures of schools. Security of the pupils should actually be accorded high priority. In this context, the eight-party decision would surely benefit the students who are the true victims of the recurrent bandhs. But there will be difficulties in implementing the plan, especially in the highly sensitive Tarai region where various Madhesi factions call frequent bandhs and strikes. In fact, the Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum did not even take part in the all-party meet. It is thus urgent that the education ministry along with the OCE sit with other groups too to halt all bandhs and strikes to help the pupils complete their exams without fear.