The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Member of Parliament (MP) Tashi Tenzin of Radhi-Sakteng said students are granted a 15-day break in July. He pointed out that this shortened break coincides with critical agricultural activities such as paddy and maize cultivation. Given that over 69,000 Bhutanese households rely on farming, the MP argued that a longer break would allow students to support their families and gain vital agricultural experience and skills, contributing to Bhutan’s long-term goals of food self-sufficiency and rural resilience.
In response, MoESD acknowledged the importance of agriculture and the value of equipping children with farming skills.
However, MoESD said “A one-month summer midterm break poses significant challenges to maintaining academic integrity,” the ministry stated.
Bhutan’s curriculum framework mandates a minimum of 180 instructional days per academic year. The ministry said, “Currently, the average instructional days stand at 178. Extending the midterm break would reduce this to around 160 days, well below the minimum, and is academically untenable.”
MoESD compared Bhutan’s school calendar to international standards. “Compared to other countries like Singapore, Switzerland, Australia and Finland (190–200), South Korea (220) and India (200–220), our instructional time is already limited,” the ministry pointed out.
The ministry said, “If our national aspiration is to become a high-income nation by 2034 and realize the GMC vision, our students must be equipped with both practical skills and a strong academic foundation. Farming skills are essential, but not sufficient.”
