By Zaidul Haque, TwoCircles.net,
Kolkata: Muslim employees of Indian Railways and West Bengal Government are enjoying time relaxation during Ramazan. Both Railways and the state government have issued order to concerned departments to allow Muslim employees who observe fast during the holy month to leave office by 3:30 pm so that they could reach their home in time and break their fast along with families.
Railway Board of India issued a circular in this regard on 29th July, three days before Ramazan commenced. Deputy General Secretary of Railway Board P. S Mina issued this circular on 29/07/2011 vide memo no: 2011/G/35/1. “During holy Month of Ramzan, the time of Iftar coincides with setting of the Sun, which takes place quite early. It has, therefore, been decided that those Muslim Railway employees who observe fast and are required to travel a long distance to their residence for Iftar , may be allowed to leave office early, wherever feasible,” the circular read.
Besides, the West Bengal has also issued an order for Muslim employees during Ramadan that they have been permitted to leave the office at 3.30 pm during Ramzan.
Special Secretary of West Bengal S K Chattopadhay issued a memorandum on 2nd August, 2011 vide no: 7751/F(p). “In supersession of all previous orders, the undersigned is directed by order of the Governor to say that Governor has been pleased to order that the Muslim employees of this State Government, during the period of fasting for Ramzan may be permitted to leave office at 3.30 pm during the month of Ramzan,” the order said.
Though the order was issued on the first day of Ramadan it reached districts Block offices too late.
Before issuing the order Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee had told reporters that during Ramadan Muslim employees will be get time relaxation. But reports say that when Muslim employees sought time relaxation citing CM’s announcement, some district Block offices denied them the facility but of late they are executing it only after they received the order.