Government Mishandles School Start Dates for New Academic Session, Experts Warn of Negative Impact
Experts have raised concerns that the government’s directive on starting the new academic session, which many local authorities have announced they will disregard, was made in an ‘immature manner’ and could negatively affect student learning and school operations. The central government had instructed schools to begin enrollment from April 28 and start classes from May 6. However, during the first week of April, the Rural Municipal National Federation and the Nepal Municipality Association requested all local governments to initiate enrollment and commence classes based on “local laws, environment, needs, and consultations with parents.” Following this, local authorities within the Kathmandu Valley decided to start new enrollment drives from April 24 and begin regular classes from April 28. Some schools have already commenced lessons this week. An official from the Ministry of Education stated that schools are expected to implement the decision with sensitivity, considering the national circumstances.
According to Schedule 8 of Nepal’s 2015 Constitution, basic and secondary school-level education falls under the jurisdiction of local governments. Since Balendra Shah, popularly known as ‘Balen,’ became Prime Minister, local governments have expressed serious dissatisfaction with the government’s decisions regarding new school enrollment and the start of classes. On Wednesday, the Kathmandu Valley Mayors’ Forum urged municipalities within the valley to begin student admissions on Friday and start regular classes from April 28. Forum Chair Chiribabu Maharjan said, “The federal government’s decision encroaches on the authority of local municipalities, which oversee education up to Grade 12, and given that the government’s rationale is insufficient, we have resolved to commence classes from April 28.”
Various regulations prepared under the education rules provide clarity about the annual academic calendar. According to the curriculum, schools are required to operate for 220 days annually, with 192 days dedicated to instructional time. Education expert Dhananjay Sharma criticized the government’s circular as an intrusion on local bodies’ autonomous rights, calling the decision erroneous. He explained, “Even though schools can give Sundays off according to the curriculum, the education rules mandate that schools remain open for at least 192 instructional days. This government directive undermines that regulation and will negatively affect student learning and school operations.”
Officials from the Ministry of Education, however, support the central government’s decision on the academic calendar. Ministry spokesperson Shivkumar Sapkota said, “The government has made a decision considering the country’s current situation and issued directives to the concerned bodies for implementation. It is essential to understand the gravity and sensitivity of this decision and act accordingly.”
