Infrastructure improvements, including road construction and repair, are in progress to facilitate smooth movement to and from mosques.
Team Clarion
HYDERABAD – Duty hours of Muslim civil servants in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have been slashed by an hour during the upcoming fasting month of Ramadan.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K.S. Jawahar Reddy on 21 February issued directives allowing Muslim employees to leave their offices one hour earlier during the holy month. Effective from March 11 to April 10, this measure enables Muslim employees’ departure at 4.30 pm, facilitating participation in Ramadan’s special prayers, with the caveat that essential duties must be fulfilled if required.
Furthermore, under the guidance of Telangana Minister Poonam Prabhakar, Hyderabad’s administrative leadership conducted a comprehensive review meeting with public representatives and officials. The meeting decisions have been sent to various government departments and district collectors to implement comprehensive arrangements for Ramadan.
In a communication addressed to District Collectors and Heads of Departments, Secretary Minority Welfare Syed Umar Jalil emphasised the importance of health and cleanliness around mosques during Ramadan. Special provisions for additional staff during Suhoor and Iftar times aim to maintain hygiene standards and ensure worshippers’ well-being.
Recognising the significance of late-night activities during Ramadan, the government has extended shop operating hours. Police authorities have been tasked with ensuring public convenience and safety in implementing this directive.
Moreover, special efforts are underway to address concerns regarding stray dogs, with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation taking the lead. Simultaneously, infrastructure improvements, including road construction and repair, are in progress to facilitate smooth movement to and from mosques.
Priority has been accorded to critical services such as electricity and water supply. Departments responsible for these services have been mandated to ensure uninterrupted supply, with preemptive communication to minimise public inconvenience.
Law enforcement agencies have been directed to maintain peace and order throughout Ramadan, with specific instructions to alleviate traffic congestion, particularly during Iftar time. Notably, there will be no police or traffic searches to facilitate smooth traffic flow.
Acknowledging the economic significance of Ramadan, provisions are being made to support small entrepreneurs and vendors by offering suitable business spaces.
Special arrangements are also in place for the culmination of Ramadan, including Eid grounds and major mosques, overseen by a coordination committee comprising key departments.
