Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal has revised official working hours for public offices, setting a new schedule from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, as part of a broader administrative adjustment linked to ongoing fuel supply constraints.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held on Sunday and will apply to all government offices except educational institutions. According to government spokesperson and Minister for Education, Sasmita Pokharel, the revised timing will come into effect immediately.
“Office hours for government institutions, excluding educational institutions, have been fixed from 9 AM to 5 PM,” Pokharel confirmed.
Integrated Policy: Office Hours and Weekend Reform
The announcement comes alongside another major policy shift—implementation of a two-day weekend (Saturday and Sunday) for both government offices and educational institutions starting from Chaitra 23.
These combined measures reflect a coordinated effort by the government to optimize administrative operations while reducing pressure on fuel consumption.
Energy-Driven Administrative Adjustment
Officials have clarified that the decision is primarily driven by disruptions in petroleum supply. By standardizing office hours and reducing the number of working days, the government aims to limit daily commuting and overall fuel usage.
The revised schedule is expected to streamline service delivery within a compressed workweek, potentially requiring offices to enhance efficiency and productivity during working hours.
Implications for Public Service and Economy
While the policy is seen as a practical response to current energy challenges, it also introduces operational changes across the public sector. Government agencies will need to adjust workflows, meeting schedules, and service mechanisms to align with the new timing.
For businesses and service seekers, the change may initially require adaptation, particularly in coordinating with public offices under the revised hours.
Temporary but Strategic Measure
Authorities have indicated that both the new office timing and the two-day weekend policy are subject to periodic review, depending on improvements in fuel supply conditions.
The move underscores the government’s attempt to balance administrative efficiency with resource management, while also signaling the need for longer-term solutions in Nepal’s energy security and public sector planning.
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