As the holy month of Ramadan unfolds across India, state governments are extending olive branches to Muslim employees by allowing early office departures. Following the lead of southern states Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh has now joined the list, permitting government workers to leave one hour ahead of schedule.
The General Administration Department in Chhattisgarh issued a formal order directing all state departments, boards, and corporations to implement this relaxation. This special provision will remain in effect until the conclusion of Ramadan, ensuring employees can fulfill their religious obligations without work-related stress.
Officials emphasized strict compliance across all offices. Such measures are a yearly tradition, designed to accommodate fasting employees during the sacred period when dawn-to-dusk fasting is observed.
Chhattisgarh Waqf Board Chairman Salim Raj hailed the decision as a testament to inclusive governance under Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai. ‘Every community’s faith is respected here,’ he stated, linking it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.’
Telangana’s Congress government had earlier issued a similar directive, alongside allowing shops and eateries to operate until 5 AM for Sehri preparations. Andhra Pradesh mirrored this by letting Muslim staff exit at 4 PM.
Ramadan commenced on Thursday after the crescent moon sighting on Wednesday in many regions. Mosques come alive at night with Taraweeh prayers, a highlight of the month-long observance that fosters spiritual reflection and community bonding.