Muslim employees allowed early leave during Ramadan
VIJAYAWADA Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government has issued orders allowing Muslim employees working in government offices and educational institutions to leave work one hour early to offer prayers during the holy month of Ramadan.
Law and Minority Welfare Minister N.M.D. Farooq issued a press release regarding these orders in Amaravati on Tuesday. The exemption will be effective from February 18 to March 19, coinciding with the Ramadan period.
This exemption will apply to all Muslim employees working in government departments, including teachers, contract staff, outsourcing employees, and employees working in village and ward secretariats – Swarngram and Swarnward secretariats. The release clarified that the exemption is intended to help employees observe religious rituals during the fasting month.
According to the release, the government has already issued formal orders to all department heads and district collectors, directing them to strictly and uniformly enforce the guidelines. Except in emergencies, Muslim employees will be allowed to go for namaz one hour before the end of working hours. Farooq thanked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for taking a thoughtful and inclusive decision while respecting the religious sentiments of the minority community. He said the move reflects the government’s commitment to meeting the cultural and spiritual needs of all sections of society while ensuring administrative discipline.
The decision has been welcomed by Muslim employees across the state, who see it as a supportive step that allows them to balance official duties and religious activities during the holy month.
