Request for Change of date of Diwali Holiday from 31st Oct to 1st Nov is Not Approved

Subject: Request for Change of Holiday Date on Account of Diwali – An Official Clarification from CGEWCC, Mumbai

In a recent communication from the Central Government Employees Welfare Co-ordination Committee (CGEWCC), Mumbai, an important clarification was provided regarding the request to change the date of the Diwali holiday for Central Government offices. The request, initiated by the Office of the Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle, aimed to shift the holiday from 31st October 2024 (Thursday) to 1st November 2024 (Friday).

The request referenced several previous letters, dated 24th September, 8th October, and 17th October 2024, appealing for the holiday shift based on local customs or state government declarations. However, the CGEWCC, while adhering to the guidelines set by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), issued an important response addressing the issue.

Key Points Addressed by CGEWCC

1. Reference to DoPT’s OM dated 03.07.2023: The Office Memorandum (OM) from DoPT clarifies that Diwali is scheduled for 31st October 2024 (Kartika 09). In certain states, Naraka Chaturdashi Day (a day earlier than Diwali) is observed instead of Diwali. The DoPT’s OM allows Central Government offices in such states to observe the holiday in line with state government declarations.
2. No Practice of Naraka Chaturdashi in Maharashtra: Upon reviewing the request, it became clear that the State of Maharashtra does not follow the custom of celebrating Diwali a day earlier. Therefore, the holiday shift to 1st November 2024 does not fall within the provisions of the DoPT’s guidelines, as outlined in Para 6 of the OM.
3. Orders on Holidays – No Mandate for CGEWCC: The CGEWCC emphasized that, according to Appendix III (Orders on Holidays), the list of holidays, once determined based on inputs from the Positional Astronomical Centre and other authorities, is considered final. Any changes in holiday dates must adhere strictly to DoPT’s guidelines.
4. Request Cannot Be Accepted: Based on the above points, CGEWCC highlighted that the request for shifting the holiday to 1st November 2024 cannot be approved. The committee is bound by the holiday list published by the DoPT and has no authority to modify it based on state government declarations that do not align with established Central Government guidelines.

This clarification is significant for all Central Government employees, especially in Maharashtra, to understand the governing rules around holiday schedules. The CGEWCC is committed to upholding the guidelines set by the DoPT to ensure uniformity and adherence to national policies.