While the move has been lauded by Congress and AIMIM, the BJP has slammed it, accusing the Congress-led Telangana government of “appeasement politics.”
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — The Telangana government has announced a relaxation in working hours for Muslim employees during the holy month of Ramzan, allowing them to leave early to facilitate fasting and prayers.
The decision, which follows a long-standing tradition in the state, applies to government offices, educational institutions, and select public sector undertakings.
According to the official order, Muslim employees will be permitted to report to work at 9:30 AM and leave by 4:00 PM, instead of their usual schedule. This adjustment is intended to help fast-observing Muslims manage their fasts and attend evening prayers, including Iftar and Taraweeh.
The relaxation, as outlined in an official circular issued by the General Administration Department, applies to all Muslim employees, including teachers, contract and outsourcing staff, as well as employees working in boards, corporations, and the public sector.
However, the employees will have to stay back in case of exigencies, states the govt notice.
The new rule will come into effect from March 2, 2025, and remain in place until March 31, 2025.
The decision has sparked a political debate. Political parties except the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomed the decision of the Telangana government.
Speaking to IANS, Congress leader TS Singh Deo emphasised the importance of accommodating religious practices, suggesting that such arrangements should be made for all religious festivals, not just Ramzan.
“There’s no harm in it,” he stated.
“It’s a step towards ensuring that everyone can observe their religious practices, whether it’s for Muslims, Hindus, or others.”
Maharashtra Congress MLA Amin Patel also welcomed the move by the Telangana government, and urged that such arrangements should be extended for all faiths, across the country.
“Ramzan is a holy month for the Muslim community. This initiative is important, and it should be implemented nationwide,” he said.
AIMIM leader Waris Pathan also weighed in, defending the decision and criticising BJP’s opposition.
“It’s just one hour for Muslims to break their fast, and the BJP is making a fuss over it,” he said.
“Why is there a problem with giving them just one hour? This is an example of hate and intolerance.”
While the move has been lauded by Congress and AIMIM, the BJP has slammed it, accusing the Congress-led Telangana government of “appeasement politics.”
Telangana BJP leaders have argued that such concessions should be extended to all religious groups, or abolished altogether, to maintain fairness in governance.
According to reports, Telangana BJP MLA T Raja Singh, known for his anti-Muslim statements, expressed disappointment over the move, claiming that the Congress party had only gained power by relying on Muslim votes, and that such actions represented the peak of appeasement politics.
BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya on social media platform X, also lslammed the Congress government’s decision as a form of tokenism. No concessions are made for Hindus during festivals like Navratri when they observe fasting, he alleged.
Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Syed Nizamuddin, in reponse to Amit Malviya’s remarks, defended the government’s move, dismissing the BJP’s accusations as misleading. “BJP is habituated to giving communal statements. On the occasion of Dussehra, a 13-day holiday was given,” he said.
Leaders of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) defended the decision, stating that it aligns with the state’s commitment to inclusivity and religious harmony. “This has been a practice in Telangana for years. It is not about appeasement but about respecting the religious sentiments of our employees,” said a BRS spokesperson.
Several states, including Karnataka and Kerala, have implemented similar measures in the past, granting flexibility in work hours during Ramzan. Additionally, courts have upheld the government’s discretion in making such accommodations, provided they do not disrupt public administration. — With inputs from IANS
