National PABSON Expresses Concern Over Government's Two-Day Public Holiday Decision

Kathmandu. The National Private and Boarding Schools Association Nepal (National PABSON) has expressed serious concern regarding the government's decision to implement a two-day public holiday. National PABSON President Geeta Rana Chhetri and General Secretary Pratap Bahadur Thapa issued a statement highlighting these concerns.

The Cabinet meeting held on Chaitra 22 decided to grant public holidays on Saturdays and Sundays to reduce petroleum consumption and preserve foreign currency reserves, while also scheduling the start of the academic session for Baishakh 15. National PABSON stated that this decision will have long-term consequences on the school-level academic calendar.

According to National PABSON, a two-day weekly holiday would result in approximately 40 additional days off annually, creating a significant challenge in completing the government-mandated curriculum on time. Concerns were raised that this would disrupt teaching and learning processes.

Furthermore, the association noted that shifting the start of the academic session from Baishakh 1 to Baishakh 15 adds further pressure to the academic calendar. It was also mentioned that the two-day holiday would cause social and economic difficulties for parents dependent on daily wages.

However, while implementing the government decision, National PABSON has instructed its member schools to make necessary arrangements. New admissions are set to begin on Baishakh 2, with classes commencing on Baishakh 15.

Additionally, for the academic session 2083, schools are urged to ensure at least 220 days of instruction by adjusting various holidays, managing school hours to avoid overburdening students, and increasing the use of information technology.

Furthermore, it is suggested that programs such as training, seminars, competitions, parents' days, and parent-teacher meetings be conducted on Saturdays or Sundays.

It was also clarified that fee management must be determined according to the Education Act 2072 based on monthly, annual, and service-based criteria. National PABSON has requested all its affiliated schools to conduct educational activities in an organized manner in accordance with government and court decisions.