The government has urged local authorities to close schools for three days starting from Sunday, as part of its disaster management response to the recent floods and landslides caused by continuous rainfall. The decision was made during an emergency Cabinet meeting on Saturday, chaired by Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, schools across the country have sustained damage to buildings, and many students and parents have been affected by the floods and landslides. Transportation has been disrupted, and daily life severely impacted, prompting the ministry to request the temporary closure of educational institutions.

Issuing a press release after Saturday's meeting, Laxmi Prasad Bhattarai, ministry spokesperson, stated that the decision to close schools aims to protect students and staff while the situation is managed. The ministry has also called on all three tiers of government, non-governmental organisations, and citizens to coordinate efforts and show restraint while engaging in disaster management.

Additionally, departmental offices under the Ministry of Education and universities have been asked to collaborate with the University Grants Commission to support disaster management and provide immediate relief. Educational institutions have been instructed to report physical, educational, and human losses to the ministry as soon as possible.

Cabinet decides to postpone ongoing examinations

The government has also decided to postpone all ongoing examinations across the country, following the disruption caused by the extreme weather conditions. Speaking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Prithvi Subba Gurung, the spokesperson of the government, announced that the examinations were suspended after reports of flooded school buildings and blocked roads.

"The Ministry of Education will soon release further information regarding which examinations have been affected and when they will be rescheduled," he said.