In a strategic move to mitigate the ongoing petroleum supply crisis, the Nepal government has officially transitioned to a two-day weekly holiday system. Starting April 5 (Chaitra 23), all government offices and educational institutions will remain closed on both Saturdays and Sundays.
To compensate for the reduced working days, the Cabinet has revised daily operations. Government spokesperson and Education Minister Sasmit Pokhrel announced that office hours will now run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This structural shift aims to significantly lower fuel consumption across the public sector.
Beyond energy management, the government has moved to strengthen the nation's digital and financial infrastructure. The Cabinet approved a combined 90 million dollar soft loan—40 million dollars from the Asian Development Bank and 50 million dollars from the World Bank—dedicated to the Digital Nepal Transformation Project. Additionally, a 95 million dollar concessional loan from the World Bank was accepted for sustainable and inclusive finance projects.
In a bid to promote greener transport, the administration has greenlit the creation of legal frameworks necessary to convert diesel and petrol vehicles into electric ones. The meeting also saw the acceptance of Dharmendra Jha’s resignation from his post as Executive Chairperson of the National News Agency (RSS).
Administrative reforms are also on the horizon, as the government granted preliminary approval for an Organization and Management (O&M) survey across all ministries, commissions, and secretariats. Furthermore, based on a proposal from the Ministry of Education, the Cabinet has scheduled the commencement of the 2026 (2083 BS) academic session for April 28.
These multi-sectoral decisions reflect a dual focus on immediate crisis stabilization and long-term digital and environmental evolution for the country.
