New Delhi: With just days left for the inauguration of grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya slated for January 22, the Central government on Thursday announced half-day holiday on the day for all government offices, across the country. The half-day holiday will apply to all Central government offices, central institutions and industrial establishments throughout the country. As per Centre’s notification, all government offices will start working only after 2.30 PM on the day of Pran Pratistha. Due to the overwhelming sentiment of the employees and requests from them, Central Government announces half day closing till 2:30 pm on 22nd January 2024, at all Central Government offices, Central institutions and Central industrial establishments throughout India on the… pic.twitter.com/9xTPwSx3Ga — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2024 The decision to grant half-day holiday has apparently been taken to address the overwhelming sentiments of employees and also slew of requests for such a recess. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the ‘rambhakts’ & citizens of the country to observe rituals at home and light up a ‘Ram Jyoti’ at their homes. The holiday will provide opportunity to the government staff to participate in the celebrations either at home or at some public places doing LIVE broadcast of Ram Lalla’s Pran Pratistha ceremony. Notably, the Uttar Pradesh administration has already announced public holiday on the Pran Pratistha day. Other BJP ruled states which have granted one day holiday are Mahdya Pradesh, Goa & a few more. Yogi government has also banned liquor & meat shops from opening their shops on the day of Ram Temple inauguration. The demand for public holiday is not limited to government servants alone. Yesterday, the Bar Council of India President Manan Kumar Mishra also penned letter to Chief Justice of India Justice DY Chandrachur to grand holiday in all courts of the country on January 22. Senior counsel stated that since the Apex court was instrumental behind realization of this long-awaited dream, the legal fraternity and the court staff will get a chance to participate in the inauguration of grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya & other associated ceremonies.
