Gaushala Municipality Rejects Federal Two-Day Weekend, Mandates Six-Day Service for Schools and Health Centers

Janakpurdham. Gaushala Municipality in Mahottari has decided to operate schools and health institutions six days a week, modifying the federal government's decision to grant two days of public holidays based on local requirements.

Mayor Dr. Dipendra Mahato stated that the municipal executive meeting held on Wednesday concluded that essential services like education and health are directly impacted, and thus, arrangements have been made to provide services on Sundays as well. Accordingly, schools and health institutions under the municipality will now operate regularly as before, except on Saturdays.

Although the federal government decided to grant public holidays on Saturdays and Sundays and operate government offices for only five days, the local level has exercised its jurisdiction to ensure the continuity of service delivery. Mayor Mahato explained that closing education and health sectors for two days would directly affect citizens. According to him, the decision was made because the continuity of teaching and learning in schools would be disrupted, and there is a risk that patients would not receive timely treatment if health institutions were closed.

He noted that since citizens in rural and urban areas depend on daily health services, service disruptions could lead to further complications. 'As education and health are basic services, it is the responsibility of the local government to ensure there is no obstruction in them,' he said.

According to the municipal executive's decision, a student enrollment campaign will be conducted from Baisakh 10 to 14, and regular classes will commence from Baisakh 15. Additionally, programs for school improvement planning, professional development of teachers, and enhancing student learning achievements will also be implemented.

Meanwhile, it has been stated that health institutions under the municipality will also operate six days a week to ensure the continuous availability of essential services. The municipality clarified that this arrangement has been made with the objective of providing timely health services to citizens.

The municipality stated that this decision was made within the scope of the fundamental rights related to education and health guaranteed by the Constitution of 2072 and the powers granted by the Local Government Operation Act, 2074. It is believed that this will maintain the accessibility, quality, and continuity of service delivery at the local level.