Ram Temple Consecration: Central Government Announces Half Day Closing Of Its Offices On January 22
The central government today sent a circular to all central government offices and institutions to close their premises till 2:30 pm on January 22, 2024, according to the circular “due to the overwhelming sentiment of the employees and requests from them”.
This will apply to all central government offices, central institutions and central industrial establishments throughout India on the occasion of Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha 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,” the statement read.
Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh told PTI that the decision has been taken in view of the “overwhelming” public sentiments. “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 said.
Apart from Central government offices, many state governments have also announced holidays on January 22.
The Ram Mandir inauguration function will be organized on January 22 at 12:30 pm. In the presence of Narendra Modi and many other dignitaries, the consecration ceremony for the Ram temple will be held. Several public figures including actors and cricketers, have been invited for the event. Meanwhile, opposition leaders have announced that they will not be part of the event.
Congress has alleged that BJP has made a “political project” out of the temple in Ayodhya in attempt to gain vote in 2024 Lok Sabha election. Congress said that they do honour the sentiments of those who rever Lord Ram. Opposition leaders including Sharad Pawar and Arvind Kejriwal too has said that they would stay away from the ceremony.
Ram Mandir has been taken to the center stage in the election campaign. For “halting” the event, BJP has accused Congress of disrespecting “Indian culture”.
