Chandigarh [India], April 3 (HBTV): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday addressed the state government's decision to declare March 31 as a restricted holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr, stating that no political controversy should arise over the matter.

The Chief Minister clarified that this was a one-time decision, citing the rare occurrence of three holidays coinciding 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.

A restricted holiday allows government employees to take leave at their discretion, unlike a gazetted holiday, which mandates the closure of government offices and institutions. The decision comes as Eid-ul-Fitr falls on March 31, which also marks the closing day of the financial year.

The Chief Minister also assured that individuals wishing to take leave on this day would not face any restrictions and reiterated 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.

On Thursday, the Haryana government 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.

The decision was made in view of the financial year's closing period, during which numerous official transactions take place.

(ANI)