Dr. Baburam Bhattarai Supports Government’s Decision to Make Saturdays and Sundays Holidays, Calls for Permanent Implementation

March 22, Kathmandu – Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has expressed support for the government’s decision to designate Saturday and Sunday as weekly holidays. Considering the shortage of petroleum products, today’s cabinet meeting decided to declare these two days as public holidays per week. Reacting to this decision on Facebook, Bhattarai described it as scientific and suitable for permanent adoption.

“The current government decision to set office hours from 9 AM to 5 PM with Saturdays and Sundays off is scientific and appropriate,” Bhattarai wrote. “This should not only be a temporary measure due to the petroleum shortage but also adopted permanently through appropriate revisions in public holidays and the calendar, as it will be beneficial and practical in many ways.”

He noted that his cabinet had previously made a similar decision but was unable to implement it due to various reasons. “Although recent governments have neglected this, the current government must make the necessary amendments and enforce it,” he said. Bhattarai emphasized that extending daily work hours while giving two weekly holidays will not reduce total working hours but may actually increase them.

“This will enhance the productivity of employees and laborers, improve family well-being, save fuel, and contribute to a cleaner environment,” he explained. “Domestic tourism will also increase.” He further argued that having Sunday off will facilitate coordination with the international workweek. Dr. Bhattarai concluded that this decision will be advantageous to the country and society from every perspective.