In a nod to cultural sensitivity, the Telangana government has greenlit early office exits for its Muslim workforce during Ramadan. The order, fresh off the press from Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, lets employees wrap up at 4 PM daily from February 19 to March 20.
This perk spans the spectrum of public service: from core government roles to educators, contract hires, outsourcing personnel, board and corporation staff, and PSU workers. Exceptions apply only when critical duties demand otherwise, ensuring service continuity.
The policy arrives amid preparations for the fasting month, enabling iftar preparations and maghrib prayers without clock-watching stress. It’s a practical step toward work-life balance rooted in faith.
Education sector tweaks accompany the office adjustment. Urdu-medium government schools, aided institutions, parallel medium setups, and DIET Urdu sections shift to a compact 8 AM-1:30 PM schedule over the same dates.
Make-up classes are mandatory to bridge the gap. High schools and upper primaries add a full extra day, while primaries tack on 30 minutes across two days. Education authorities at district and regional levels must oversee implementation, holding school heads accountable.
Andhra Pradesh jumped ahead, issuing comparable orders last week for its Muslim staff, effective February 18-March 19. Minister NMD Farooq detailed coverage for teachers, contractors, outsourcers, and secretariat employees.
Such measures highlight progressive administration in the region. By accommodating religious needs, Telangana not only boosts morale but also promotes diversity in public service. As the crescent moon signals Ramadan’s start, employees can focus on devotion with one less worry.