The month of Ramadan is very important for Muslims from the spiritual and religious point of view. This is the time when Muslims spend a day-long fast, spend time in prayer, and focus on their spiritual development. This time can be physically and mentally challenging due to eating and drinking during the day, while keeping fasting and avoiding other physical needs. Realizing this, the Bihar government has decided to provide special facilities for its Muslim government employees and officials in the month of Ramadan, so that they can perform their religious duties well and also fulfill their professional obligations. In this blog post, we will discuss the decision of the Bihar government, thinking behind it, and details related to it in detail.
Ramadan and its specialty
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is celebrated as the anniversary of the manifestation of the Holy Quran. In this month, Muslims keep fasting from morning to sunset, which is not only a time to avoid hunger and thirst, but also a time for self-restraint, charity, and prayer. The day-long physical work and working in the regular office while keeping fasting can be tedious for Muslim employees, especially when the days are long in the summer months. The Bihar government has taken a human and inclusive step keeping this sensitive issue in mind.
Bihar government’s decision
The General Administration Department of the Bihar government has decided to provide special relaxation for its Muslim government employees and officials in the month of office in the month of Ramadan. The decision is based on a former office order (Memorandum-349) issued on December 11, 2000, which is considered effective so far. According to this order, Muslim government personnel and officials can avail the following facility during the period of Ramadan:
- One hour exemption to come to office: Come to office one hour late from regular office time.
- One hour discount to leave the office: The Regular office is allowed to leave the office one hour before the time.
This feature is automatically applied to the month of Ramadan every year, unless a new order is issued. This decision is only for Muslim employees and officials, who are working on regular, contract, or daily wages, and this facility is limited to the period of Ramadan.
Coordination with biometric attendance system
In modern times, the use of biometric attendance systems has become common to record attendance in offices. The Bihar government had also directed to implement biometric attendance in all departments, directorates, and regional offices through letter-8986 of Home Department (Special Branch) on August 12, 2022. Subsequently, the General Administration Department issued guidelines regarding the ban and attendance of time through biometric systems in its circular (number-15498 and 16458) released on September 1, 2022, and September 12, 2022.
However, in the context of Ramadan, the government has ensured that the facility provided for Muslim employees under the 2000 order in the biometric attendance system also remains. This means that even in the biometric system, flexible time will be arranged for them, so that they can balance their work and religious duties while fasting.
Importance of this decision
This decision is important in many ways. First, it reflects the inclusive policy and religious sensitivity of the Government of Bihar. The government has ensured that there is no conflict between religious beliefs and workplace requirements. Second, it shows the government’s concern about the health and welfare of the employees, as working for a long time while fasting can be physically and mentally tedious. Third, this decision promotes unity between harmony and community at the workplace, which is essential for any organization.
Productivity at the workplace during Ramadan
Many people can question whether the productivity will be productivity by relaxing in office time during Ramadan. But experience and studies show that when employees get support for their religious and personal needs, they work more inspired, satisfied, and dedicated. During Ramadan, Muslim employees feel refreshed and energetic in the evening after a day-long fast, and with this flexible time they can effectively complete their work.
Inclusion and social harmony
This move of the Bihar government presents an example not only for the Muslim community but also for the whole society. This shows that understanding and respecting religious diversity is necessary for the progress of any society or organization. When the government and organizations take care of the cultural and religious needs of their employees, it creates a positive atmosphere at the workplace, which is beneficial for all.
Challenges and solutions
However, there may also be some challenges in implementing such policies, such as an imbalance of inequality among other employees. But the Bihar government has ensured that this facility is limited only to the month of Ramadan and is equally available for all Muslim employees, whether they are working on regular, contract, or daily wages. In addition, transparency and accountability have also been retained through biometric systems, so that no employee can misuse this facility.
Departmental Letter
