Sensitive Issues Raised by Sunday Holidays and Changes to the Academic Session

The government’s decision to start the 2083 academic session from 15 Baisakh while declaring Saturdays and Sundays as holidays has directly impacted the educational rights of over 7.14 million students. The reduction of 52 days from the minimum 180 days of direct teaching, as mandated by the Curriculum Development Center, is expected to have long-term negative effects on student learning. Prior to this decision, the government has not presented any concrete plans for curriculum revision, alternative teaching methods, or teacher capacity development.
This decision has sparked intense debate within the education sector. Although it appears to be driven by administrative convenience or restructuring efforts, its implications are complex and far-reaching. It raises questions about instructional time, curriculum structure, learning quality, and the overall credibility of the education system. Unplanned decisions should not disrupt the academic calendar, especially when the system to commence the session in Baisakh has been established through years of practice, research, and management.
The postponement of the enrollment campaign until mid-Baisakh calls into question not only the timeline but also the overall trustworthiness of the system. This is not merely a 15–20 day delay; it threatens to seriously impact the entire academic cycle. Such decisions are likely to have long-lasting negative effects on students’ learning psychology and quality. Education should be managed based on scientific studies and consideration of long-term impacts, rather than for administrative convenience or temporary financial pressures.
The education system is the backbone of the nation. Every decision related to it must be based on long-term thinking, in-depth studies, and broad consensus. While reform is necessary, it must be undertaken thoughtfully, or else there is always a risk of disorder under the guise of improvement. The government has yet to announce any concrete plan to compensate for the 52-day shortfall. There has been no visible scientific preparation regarding curriculum revision, content adjustment, or alternative teaching methods before making this decision.





