KATHMANDU, APRIL 6 The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed banks and financial institutions to implement a two-day weekly holiday, aligning with the government's recent decision to introduce weekends on Saturdays and Sundays. Issuing a notice on Sunday, the central bank said all licensed Class 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'D' financial institutions, infrastructure development banks and Nepal Clearing House Limited will remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays, effective from April 6. The move follows a Cabinet decision on Sunday to enforce a two-day weekly holiday in government offices and educational institutions in response to disruptions in petroleum supply. Government spokesperson and Minister for Education Sasmit Pokharel had said the measure aims to ease pressure caused by irregular fuel supply. NRB has also revised office hours, stating that banks and financial institutions will operate from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday. However, between Kartik 16 and Magh 15, office hours will be from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The directive was issued by NRB's Bank and Financial Institutions Regulation Department under Section 79 of the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2058.