Muslim government staff can leave early during Ramzan

 VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh government has issued orders permitting its Muslim employees to leave office an hour early in the evening during the holy Ramzan month.

A circular issued by principal secretary Revu Mutyala Raju will come into force most likely on March 24 when the moon is sighted. It will remain effective till April 23.

As per the circular, all government employees and teachers who profess Islam, apart from staff working on contract and outsourcing basis, including village and ward volunteers, will be able to leave early; except when their presence is required due to exigencies of work.

Permission to leave early during the holy Ramzan month has been granted following request from Minority Teachers’ Association and other minority bodies, so that the devout are able to perform the necessary rituals when the day ends.

Muslim employees welcomed the state government’s decision. They recalled that the government has been extending such a facility during Ramzan every year, when most Muslims fast during the day.