Unfazed by protests of opposition parties and rival service organisations, CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala has restricted Onam festivities in state-run offices and institutions during working hours.
The Government Order, issued in this regard last evening, made it clear that the festivities should not be conducted during office hours.
The official Onam celebrations of this year would begin on September 12 and the festivities should be conducted without causing any difficulties to public and affecting the operations of the office, it said.
“The government is of the view that it is appropriate to avoid conducting celebrations in offices as it affects work there,” the order, issued by the Chief Secretary S M Vijayanand said.
“The celebrations should be arranged in such a manner that it should not effect the work and not cause any difficulties to public,” he said. The Chief Secretary also asked all department heads to initiate strict action to ensure implementation of the order.