The Haryana government's decision to change the gazetted holiday for Eid to an optional holiday has sparked a political controversy. The state government made this decision considering March 31st as the last day of the fiscal year, but the opposition in the assembly has termed it an injustice to the Muslim community.
Chandigarh: The Haryana government has canceled the previously declared state holiday for Eid on March 31st and replaced it with an optional holiday (restricted holiday). Government offices will now remain open on Eid. However, employees who wish to take leave on Eid will be granted paid leave due to the provision of optional leave. This order, issued by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, led to a heated uproar in the assembly on Thursday.
Uproar in the Assembly, Opposition Raises Questions
A heated debate ensued in the Haryana Assembly on Thursday regarding this decision. Aftab Ahmed, Congress MLA from Nuh, stated that Eid is the most significant festival for Muslims, celebrated grandly across the nation. He questioned the government's rationale for canceling the holiday in Haryana when it's observed nationwide.
Chief Minister Nayab Saini clarified that the decision was made due to the exigencies of government work on March 31st, the last day of the fiscal year. He appealed to the opposition not to unnecessarily escalate the issue.
Eid Holiday Cancelled for the First Time
According to the order issued by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, the Eid holiday will now be observed as an optional holiday. This means that employees can take leave on this day if they wish, but government offices will remain open. This is the first time in Haryana's history that the gazetted holiday for Eid has been cancelled. The state has a Muslim population of approximately 6%, comprising 1.8 million voters. Five of the state's 90 assembly seats are represented by Muslim MLAs.
Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda stated that this decision is politically motivated. He questioned why a holiday was granted for Holi and Shaheed Diwas but not for Eid. Muslim MLAs also criticized the government, calling it discriminatory towards their community. In areas like Firozpur Jhirka, Nuh, Hathin, and Punhana in Haryana, Muslim voters play a decisive role. This decision could therefore impact the government's image.
