Kolkata, June 14 (IANS) For the first time, the West Bengal government Friday declared a half-day holiday for state government employees on the occasion of Jamai Sashthi – son-in-law day.
Following a directive from Chief Minster Mamata Banerjee, the state government issued a notification to all its departments announcing that offices would be over for the day at 2 p.m.
Jamai Sashthi is a festival unique to Bengalis when sons-in-law are feted with grand feasts and gifts by the mother-in-law.
The babus were happy.
“It is great that Didi gave a half-day holiday today. This will afford me an opportunity to have a relaxed evening with mouth-watering dishes of hilsa, prawn and mutton. I understand my mom-in-law has also arranged for best quality mangoes which are my favourite,” said Sushoban Das, a state government staffer.
However, there were also voices of dissent.
“This is a cheap populist announcement. On the one hand she talks of improving Bengal’s dismal work culture, and on the other she declares holidays at the drop of a hat,” said a middle aged school teacher who declined to be named for fear of retaliation.
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by authors, news service providers on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Hill Post. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual.
Hill Post makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site page.
