Federal Government Intervention May Undermine Educational Achievements: Federation of Municipalities’ Findings

The Federation of Rural Municipalities and the Municipality Association have concluded that the federal government’s decision to start the academic session late and declare Sundays as holidays will negatively impact educational achievements. In response, the National Federation of Rural Municipalities and the Nepal Municipality Association have submitted a four-point memorandum to Education Minister Sasmita Pokharel. The federal government has issued directives to commence admissions from Baisakh 15 and classes from Baisakh 21. April 17, Kathmandu.

The Federation of Rural Municipalities and the Municipality Association have expressed concerns that delaying the start of the academic session and declaring Sundays off will adversely affect educational outcomes. On this matter, the National Federation of Rural Municipalities and the Nepal Municipality Association submitted a four-point memorandum to Education, Science and Technology Minister Sasmita Pokharel on Thursday.

Representatives from the municipalities believe that the decision to hold classes only from Baisakh 21 and make Sundays holidays will prevent schools from conducting the legally mandated 220 days of instruction annually. They expressed worries that this will result in an incomplete curriculum and reduced learning achievements for students. The memorandum, signed by Federation President Bhim Prasad Dhungana and Rural Municipality Federation Chairperson Laxmidevi Pandey, emphasizes that educational activities have been carried out only within the legal framework granted to local governments.

The letter also requests the Education Minister to initiate prompt enactment of the Education Act by the federal parliament to avoid operating schools without formal legislation based on the current orders and directives. According to a 100-point governance reform agenda approved by the federal government on Chaitra 13, internal examinations for students up to Grade 5 are planned to be discontinued starting from the upcoming academic session. Additionally, federal directives stipulate that admissions can only begin from Baisakh 15 and classes from Baisakh 21.