Private and Boarding Schools Organization Nepal (PABSON) has instructed its subordinate committees to revise and implement public holidays on Saturdays and Sundays as a trial from June 1, 2079, as per the information published by the Government of Nepal in the Rajptra in their academic calendars. PABSON said in a statement issued today that the decision was made considering the impact on the education sector.
"It is almost certain that there will be difficulty in the implementation of study hours and working hours as specified in the National Curriculum Draft 2076 having public holidays for two consecutive days. However, taking into account the short-term situational decision taken by the Government of Nepal with the objective of reducing the consumption of fuel and other imported goods in view of the global economic crisis and its impact on Nepal, the schools in PABSON's municipal committees are called upon to revise and implement the academic calendar created by PABSON. This includes the reduction of local holidays and the introduction of hybrid online virtual classes," the representatives said.
The government has been instructed to review and adjust many other holidays in the midst of this short-term arrangement and to increase the working days.
As directed by the Central PABSON, the local PABSON has directed the member schools to facilitate the conduct of classes in a smooth manner and to play the necessary role in completing the academic session.
PABSON's Concerns
PABSON's representatives said in a statement that they were seriously concerned about the impact of the two-day holiday on the school's academic calendar. "As the education sector is different from the civil, industrial, business, manufacturing, and other service sectors, the public holidays issued by the government are already excessive. It is important for all of us to be sensitive to the negative impact this will have on student learning continuity and educational activities."
Furthermore, it was quoted that the organization found it regrettable that the concerned bodies did not coordinate with stakeholders in making timely decisions on such sensitive issues. The statement added that PABSON's role would be to help in trying to temporarily reduce the burden on the state treasury. PABSON also called on the government to pay attention to many other frugality options.
