Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday addressed the recent announcement by the state government declaring March 31 as a restricted holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr, urging that no political issue should be made over the decision.

The Chief Minister further clarified that this was a one-time decision, given that it was the first time in many years that three holidays had coincided at the end of the financial year.
“I have also said in the House that this should not be made an issue… This is the first time that three holidays have come at the end of the financial year… Many types of transactions take place at the end of the financial year, so we have declared it (Eid-ul-Fitr) a restricted holiday…” CM Saini said while addressing the media.
Meanwhile, a restricted holiday allows government employees to take the day off at their discretion, unlike a gazetted holiday, which mandates the closure of government offices and institutions. The decision comes as Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on March 31, which also marks the closing day of the financial year.
The Chief Minister also reassured that there would be no restrictions on individuals wishing to take leave on this day and emphasised that the matter should not be politicised.
“If someone wants to take leave, there is no restriction on that… There should be no politics on this…” he further added.
Notably, the Haryana government, on Thursday, announced that March 31 would be observed as a restricted holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr instead of a gazetted holiday.
“Haryana Govt has declared a restricted holiday (Schedule-II) instead of a gazetted holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr on March 31, considering the financial year closing. An official notification has been issued in this regard,” said a statement from the state government on X.
This decision was made in consideration of the busy period at the end of the financial year, when many official transactions take place.-ANI