On March 17, the Bihar Government granted permission to Muslim employees and officials to come one hour before the office timings so that they can leave the office early. The decision came ahead of the month of Ramzan, by the State General Administration Department.
The Official circular stated that, “Keeping in view the convenience of Muslim employees and officials, the government has granted permission to come to the office one hour before the scheduled time and leave the office one hour before the scheduled time during the month of Ramzan”.
Bihar government has granted permission to Muslim employees and officials to come to the office one hour before the scheduled time and leave the office one hour before the scheduled time during the month of Ramzan: State General Administration Department pic.twitter.com/7oEL46fRhH
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2023
The circular also stated that the Muslim employees will be allowed to leave the office early in the month of Ramzan every year.
Notably, a similar decision was made by the Andhra Pradesh Government in the month of March. The YS Jagan Mohan Reddy Government stated that the Muslim employees working in the government department will be allowed to leave office an hour early in the evening during Ramzan.
A circular issued by principal secretary Revu Mutyala Raju will come into force most likely on March 24. It will remain effective till April 23.
As per the circular, ‘all government employees and teachers who profess Islam, apart from staff working on contract and outsourcing basis, including village and ward volunteers, will be able to leave early; except when their presence is required due to exigencies of work’.
Social media users condemned the Bihar government’s decision calling it Muslim appeasement and biased.
One of the user wrote, What these employees will do in office by coming an hour early? When they will leave the office before, others will be burdened with extra work. The government should have thought of the other employees as well.
A user asked, “Any such relaxation to Hindus during Navaratri?”
Any such relaxation’s for Hindus during Navaratri?
— Girish Bharadwaj (@Girishvhp) March 18, 2023
Another user wrote, ‘I fast during Navratra. I do not get additional “off hours”. I have only 4 days government holidays for Hindu Festivals in a calendar year. I am Hindu. My country is birthplace of Hinduism and only home to Hindus. I am second class citizen in my own country.’
A verified Twitter user wrote, “Muslim appeasement at its best. Why make hospitals or roads when one can get their votes by just doing this.”
Muslim appeasement at its best. Why make hospitals or roads when one can get their votes by just doing this.
— Bineet Mishra (@bineetmishra) March 18, 2023
A user questioned Nitish Kumar, “Will this magnanimity will be extended to Hindus during Navarstras ? If Not does it not amount to Appeasement ? It’s said one is known by company one keeps. May be RJD in Driving seat U just say OK for what they planned .”Congratulations for New Company”
@NitishKumar Will this magnanimity will be extended to Hindus during Navarstras ? If Not does it not amount to Appeasement ? It's said one is known by company one keeps .May be RJD in Driving seat U just say OK for what they planned ."Congratulations for New Company
— U Ravindra Padiyar (@padiyar_u) March 18, 2023
Another user said, “This is clear Contempt of rules. Let them take leave, if they want. Why government work suffering. Means now no one can say them to work after office hours, even if that is urgent, because government given them in writing.”
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