Nepal Government Confirms Two-Day Weekly Holiday Will Continue for Now

Kathmandu, August 13: Nepal’s government has confirmed that the two-day weekly holiday system will continue for now, ending speculation about an immediate return to the previous one-day weekend. Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobita Gautam gave the clarification in the National Assembly on Thursday while responding to questions from lawmakers. She said the government has no current plan or preparation to review the two-day weekly public holiday system.

The two-day weekend, covering Saturday and Sunday, was introduced from April 6, 2026, when the government cited fuel supply difficulties and the need to reduce fuel consumption and administrative costs. Since then, the government has argued that the system has helped improve work-life balance, employee morale and productivity while reducing energy and administrative expenses. It has also linked the longer weekend with increased domestic tourism and economic activity.

Government Highlights Benefits of Two-Day Weekend

Minister Gautam told the National Assembly that the two-day holiday arrangement has helped make public administration more efficient and has supported better working conditions for employees. The government believes having an additional day away from regular work can give employees more time for family, rest and personal activities, potentially helping them return to work with better energy and focus.

The government has also pointed to savings in energy and administrative spending. With government offices closed for an additional day each week, electricity, fuel and other operating costs can be reduced. The policy was initially introduced during a period of fuel supply concerns, making lower fuel consumption one of the key reasons behind the decision.

Domestic Tourism Gets Government Attention

Another major argument in favor of the two-day weekly holiday is domestic tourism. The government says the longer weekend gives people more time to travel within Nepal, which can bring more visitors to hotels, restaurants, transport services and tourist destinations.

For a country with destinations such as Pokhara, Chitwan, Bandipur, Ilam and Mustang, an extra day can make short domestic trips easier for families and working people. The government has therefore linked the holiday system with efforts to keep economic activity moving through domestic travel.

Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over Education and Services

The policy, however, has not been free from criticism. National Assembly member Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma questioned the overall impact of the two-day holiday and argued that the system has created difficulties for education, business and government services. He called for a return to the previous one-day weekly holiday arrangement.

Concerns have also been raised about schools completing their curriculum and the availability of public services during the additional holiday. The government says it is aware of these concerns, but Minister Gautam made it clear that there is currently no preparation to change the policy. She added that suggestions and concerns raised by the public and lawmakers would be studied.

What Happens Next?

For now, people in Nepal can expect the two-day weekly holiday system to remain in place. The government has defended the policy based on cost savings, employee well-being, administrative efficiency and domestic tourism, while acknowledging that concerns about education, businesses and public services still need to be examined.

The latest statement means there is no immediate plan to bring back the one-day weekly holiday, although the government has left the door open to studying public feedback in the future.