Delhi Jal Board withdraws order granting Muslim employees short leave from work during Ramadan 2022

New Delhi: Ramadan 2022 started on April 2 across the world. This day is considered to be very important for Muslims. During the month, every Muslim keeps fast, known as Roza. Roza starts in the early morning and ends in the evening. However, the fast is broken after Magrib prayer in the evening.

For Muslim employees, the Delhi Jal Board on Monday issued an order to give them a ”short leave of around two hours a day” during Ramadan. The ongoing month of Ramadhan will end on May 2.

”The competent authority has accorded approval to allow short leave (of approx. two hours a day) by the concerned DDO/controlling officer to the Muslim employees during the days of Ramzan i.e., April 3 to May 2 or till the date of Idu’l fitr is declared, subject to the condition that they will accomplish their work during the remaining office hours so that the office work does not suffer,” read, a DJB circular dated April 4, 2022.

However, the Delhi government’s order received a backlash from the BJP leaders. Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta on Tuesday said, ”This is a real face of CM Arvind Kejriwal. During Navratri, they are selling liquor by giving a discount of 25% at shops. On the other hand, the Delhi Jal Board is providing a short leave of around two hours a day from work for offering Namaz. If this is not appeasement policy then what is?”

After the criticism from the opposition, the Board on Tuesday issued a new order to withdraw the old order.

”A circular was issued bearing No. F. No. 524 (18)/DJB/HC (W)/ 2002/e-office No. 108771 dated 04.04.2022 for short leave (Approx. two hours a day)to the Muslim employees during the days of Ramazan.

”Now, the Competent Authority vide their order has decided to withdraw the above said Circular with immediate effect.”

This is for information and compliance of all concerned, ” read the new order of Delhi Jal Board.