Shimla, Aug 27 (PTI) The Himachal Pradesh government on Thursday announced a public holiday on August 28 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, with all government offices, schools and colleges to remain closed.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the holiday in the Legislative Assembly, saying Raksha Bandhan celebrates the sacred bond between siblings and the decision was taken to ensure that sisters do not have to rush in the morning to reach their brothers.
Earlier, only women employees would get off on the occasion, while men continued to work. This year, however, all government employees will get a holiday so that families can celebrate the festival together, officials said.
All government offices, schools and colleges in the state will remain closed on Friday, they said.
The chief minister said the aim of this decision is to ensure brothers are not compelled to leave early in the morning for school or work on the festival day.
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has also announced free travel for women in ordinary buses across the state on August 28.
The facility will be available from sunrise to sunset, according to a circular issued by the corporation.
The move will enable women to travel to their brothers’ homes and return by government buses without paying any fare, the officials said.
Governor Kavinder Gupta and Chief Minister Sukhu extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Gupta said the festival symbolises the bond of love, affection, trust and mutual respect between brothers and sisters and reflects values of care, responsibility and protection that strengthen the family and society.
Sukhu said Raksha Bandhan celebrates the enduring bond between brothers and sisters and wished that the festival would bring happiness, prosperity and peace to every household in the state. PTI BPL SMV SMV KVK KVK
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