National PABSAN’s Response to the Government’s Two-Day Weekend Policy
The Central Committee of the National Private & Boarding Schools' Association Nepal (National PABSAN) has released an official press statement regarding the recent government decision to implement a two-day public holiday (Saturday and Sunday). While the government’s intent is to reduce petroleum consumption and preserve foreign exchange reserves, National PABSAN has raised significant concerns regarding the impact on the academic sector.
Key Concerns Highlighted
The association points out several challenges that this new schedule poses to the Nepalese education system:
Loss of Instructional Time: Adding Sunday as a holiday results in approximately 40 additional days off per year. This makes it extremely difficult to complete the comprehensive, international-standard curriculum within the designated timeframe.
Quality of Education: There is a growing concern that trying to squeeze the syllabus into fewer days will compromise the quality of learning and place immense pressure on students.
Economic & Social Impact: A two-day weekend poses a practical challenge for parents who rely on daily wages and for those who may find it difficult to manage childcare for two consecutive days.
Delayed Academic Start: The shift of the academic session start date from Baisakh 1 to Baisakh 15 adds further pressure to an already tightened calendar.
New Directives for Member Schools
To mitigate these issues and align with government regulations, National PABSAN has issued the following six-point directive to its member schools:
Academic Schedule: New admissions will begin on Baisakh 2, and formal classes will commence on Baisakh 15.
Minimum School Days: Schools must adjust other holidays (such as Dashain, Tihar, winter/summer breaks) to ensure a minimum of 220 instructional days for the 2079 academic session.
Student Wellbeing: School hours should be managed effectively to avoid placing an undue physical or mental burden on students.
Technological Integration: Schools are encouraged to increase the use of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in the classroom.
Extra-Curricular Activities: Trainings, workshops, competitions, Parents' Days, and PTA meetings should be scheduled on Saturdays or Sundays to save teaching hours.
Fee Regulation: Schools must follow the Education Act 2073 (Chapter 25) regarding fee structures. Monthly fees are to be collected monthly, annual fees once a year, and admission fees are strictly for new students only.
Conclusion
National PABSAN concludes by urging all member schools to organize their academic activities systematically, ensuring they remain in compliance with both government decisions and court orders while prioritizing the educational needs of the students.
