RESTRUCTURING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

There are 16 public holidays and two restricted holidays that can be availed by central government employees for the year 2018. Public sector banks also fall under almost the same list of holidays of central government offices. These 18 days are over and above 52 Sundays and 26 Saturdays for banks and other selected offices. Public holidays are given mostly for the celebration of religious festivals. Generally the festival of one religion is not celebrated by other religions.

Now if we restructure the holidays as given below the public will be benefited, the government offices and banks will have more working days and the employees shall not lose their allotted quota of holidays. Annual public holidays may be brought down to three; 1) Republic Day. 2) Independence Day. 3) Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday. Beyond these let there be around 60 Optional holidays comprising of various religious festivals, national festivals, regional festivals etc. The individuals can avail another 15 holidays as they wish from these list. If the government can make the restructure of holidays like this the offices can be kept opened for another 15 days every year. Availability of 15 working days with no extra cost may be worth considering. The employees shall have nothing to lose. They will get their 18 holidays every year.

If this proposal reaches the right person, I am sure, he may be willing to present this to the government.

KV George