5 months ago
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Kerala General Education Minister V. Sivankutty connected Thursday (December 25, 2025) powerfully criticised the determination to clasp peculiar programmes astatine Lok Bhavan connected Christmas Day, alleging that employees were efficaciously denied a vacation connected a large festival.
The Minister made the remarks aft Lok Bhavan observed Good Governance Day connected December 25 to people the commencement day of erstwhile Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Sivankutty, who besides holds the labour portfolio, alleged that unit were asked to study for work connected Christmas.
He described the determination arsenic "highly objectionable" and contrary to the principles of labour justice.
Mr. Sivankutty said the enactment appeared to beryllium portion of a broader pattern, referring to earlier orders issued successful Uttar Pradesh, including those denying holidays to schools.
He said the consequent clarification by Lok Bhavan authorities — that information successful the programme was "optional" — was an effort to mislead the nationalist aft the contented triggered controversy.
"As agelong arsenic instructions travel from elder officials, [optional] remains lone successful name," the Minister said, adding that asking employees to be bureau connected a large spiritual festival was undemocratic.
He further said that utilizing an internationally celebrated festival time for authoritative programmes challenged India's secular values and stressed that specified practices indispensable beryllium corrected.
Earlier connected Wednesday (December 24), Lok Bhavan said successful a property merchandise that an "unnecessary controversy" was being created implicit the observance of Good Governance Day connected December 25.
It had maintained that information by Lok Bhavan unit successful the relation was optional.
