Nepal Government Announces Two-Day Weekly Holiday for Public Offices

Kathmandu. The Cabinet meeting held on Sunday has decided to grant a two-day weekly holiday for government offices and educational institutions. Administration experts suggest that this decision could be beneficial if managed properly, but could lead to difficulties if not.

Kashi Raj Dahal, former chairman of the Administrative Court and coordinator of the Administrative Reform Suggestion Committee, stated that the decision to grant a two-day holiday is appropriate if the management is handled correctly. 

'If the management can be handled, the decision to grant a two-day holiday is appropriate,' Dahal told RatoPati. 'Fuel consumption can be reduced. Those living nearby can find time for farming. They can spend time with their families.'

He emphasized that arrangements must be made to keep essential service offices open while granting holidays to those providing general service delivery. 'A two-day holiday should not be given to offices with high service delivery demands. It should be managed appropriately for others,' Dahal said.

He further noted that office hours must be strictly enforced following the implementation of the holiday. 'To be effective, office hours must be strictly enforced,' he said. 'If employees just show up to sign in and leave early on Fridays, or only arrive around 4 PM on Mondays, this decision will not be effective and will cause difficulties.'

He mentioned that such holidays are common and effective in metropolitan cities in other countries. However, he expressed doubt about its effectiveness in Nepal, noting that there are more people prone to shirking work than those who are diligent. 

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