Chandigarh: The BJP-led state government in Haryana has announced a change in the holiday status of the Muslim festival Eid-ul-Fitr, moving it from a gazetted to a restricted holiday. This adjustment means that government employees will have the option to take paid leave, but it no longer mandates the closure of government offices and institutions for the day.
The decision was conveyed by the state’s Human Resources Department, as reported by Kashmir Media Service. Under this new arrangement, government staff can choose paid leave during restricted holidays, a shift from the automatic day off associated with gazetted holidays.
The move has drawn criticism from opposition figures. Congress leader and MLA Aftab Ahmed criticized the decision, asserting that it reveals the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s perspective and approach towards minority communities in the state.