Government Offices and Schools to Close Over Four Months Annually, Raising Operational Concerns

Prime Minister Balen Shah has enacted a policy to make Saturdays and Sundays official holidays for government offices and educational institutions, significantly extending annual closure periods to over four months. This decision, announced in a council meeting on Chaitra 22, affects national administrative and educational functions deeply, with the new academic session starting on Baishakh 15. The Education Minister, Samsit Pokharel, has outlined enrollment beginning from Baishakh 15 and classes commencing from Baishakh 21. This policy shift empowers the Prime Minister's office by demonstrating direct control over public sector work rhythms but poses challenges to institutional managers and parents managing continuity and productivity. The move reflects a shift toward a governance style that prioritizes work-life balance, yet raises questions about long-term impacts on national productivity and social stability in the lead-up to critical political junctures.

• Prime Minister Balen Shah’s extended weekend policy expands government and school closures to over four months annually, stirring concern among administrators and parents about operational stability ahead of elections.