Kathmandu Valley Municipalities Defy Federal Government, Announce Early Academic Calendar for 2083

Kathmandu. Local levels within the Kathmandu Valley have decided to commence the student enrollment campaign for the upcoming academic session 2083 from Baisakh 11 and regular classes from Baisakh 15. 

The Valley Mayors Forum, in a meeting held on Monday, concluded that the federal government's recent directive has created uncertainty in the education sector, prompting them to exercise their local government authority to publish their own schedule.

A statement issued by the Forum's Chairman and Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor, Chiribabu Maharjan, requests all municipalities in the valley to implement the academic calendar accordingly.

Previously, following the Nepal Government Council of Ministers' decision on Chaitra 22, a notice was issued stating that the academic session 2083 enrollment campaign would begin on Baisakh 15 and classes on Baisakh 21. However, the Mayors Forum asserts that Rule 84 of the Education Regulations, 2059, clearly states that the academic session begins on Baisakh 1 and ends on the last day of Chaitra. Given that the Constitution grants the authority for basic and secondary education to local levels, the Forum argues that the government's directive has increased confusion. 

The statement mentions that this decision was taken to prevent disruption to regular academic activities, as Schedule-8 of the Constitution and Section 11 (j) of the Local Government Operation Act, 2074, vest full authority for the permission, operation, management, and regulation of schools within the local level.

Considering the interim order issued by the Supreme Court on Chaitra 20 regarding student enrollment, the Mayors Forum appears to be seeking uniformity in the educational environment. Based on complaints and suggestions from stakeholders such as the National Association of Rural Municipalities, Municipal Association of Nepal, Teachers' Federation, Principal Association of Nepal (PAN), PABSON, NPABSON, and the Guardians' Association, the Forum stated that it is necessary to start classes from Baisakh 15 to minimize potential losses in student learning achievements. With most municipalities having already prepared their own academic calendars, the Forum took this step as the federal government's decision was inconsistent with their plans.

Furthermore, the Mayors Forum has expressed serious concern regarding the recent fuel crisis in the country. Noting the risk that fuel shortages could hinder school operations, schools have been urged to prioritize the use of electric vehicles in the future.

The Forum has also directed all relevant schools and stakeholders to prepare alternative measures, including online classes, to ensure that student learning is not interrupted if the fuel crisis worsens.