Education Ministry Seeks Federal Affairs Ministry’s Support After Schools Operate on Sunday Despite Government Decision

18 Jestha, Kathmandu – Despite the federal government’s decision, schools across the country opened on Sunday, prompting the Ministry of Education to seek assistance from the Ministry of Federal Affairs. The Ministry of Education and Sports has requested local governments to coordinate and facilitate closure of schools on Saturdays and Sundays by sending letters to the Ministries of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs, and General Administration.

The Ministry of Federal Affairs plays a key role in deploying Chief Administrative Officers at the local level and coordinating with provincial and local governments. Accordingly, on Jestha 11, the Ministry of Education issued an official circular following a ministerial decision, requesting the Ministry of Federal Affairs to coordinate with local bodies. This letter has recently been made public.

The letter is titled “Regarding Maintaining Uniformity in School Operations.” It notes, “According to the Government of Nepal’s decision effective from 2082/12/23 (Nepali calendar), government offices, public entities, and educational institutions will observe holidays on Saturdays and Sundays. Educational institutions are also included. Accordingly, all local governments are requested to coordinate and facilitate uniform implementation of this decision across all schools nationwide to ensure public holidays.”

After the federal government decreed a two-day school closure per week, concerns have been raised about potential impacts on academic activities and school calendars. However, many local governments have been operating schools on Sundays, violating the federal government’s directive.