Half-day in all central government offices on January 22 in view of Ram temple consecration

NEW DELHI: The government has announced a half-day for all central government institutions, offices, and industries on January 22 on the occasion of Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha. As per an order of the personnel ministry, all the central institutions, offices, and industrial establishments will be closed till 2:30 pm on the day of Ram temple consecration ceremony.

"The Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya will be celebrated on 22nd January 2024 across India. To enable employees to participate in the celebrations, it has been decided that all central government offices, central institutions and central industrial establishments throughout India will be closed for half day till 1430 hours on 22nd January 2024," said the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions in an office memo.

Union Minister of State (Mos) for personnel Jitendra Singh said that the decision has been taken in view of the "overwhelming" public sentiments, as per a PTI report. "There was a huge public demand across the country regarding this. Decision on half-day closure of central government offices on January 22 has been taken in view of overwhelming public sentiments," he was quoted as saying.

Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh government declared a holiday for schools, colleges and all educational institutions on January 22 for the same reason.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform the consecration ceremony at the new temple located in Ayodhya in which the idol of Lord Ram will be consecrated marking the inauguration of the Ram Mandir. The government has invited various dignitaries to witness the event on January 22.

(With inputs from PTI)