Delhi: Jal Board & NDMC issue, then withdraw, Ramzan circulars for employees

However, in a fresh order issued on Tuesday, the DJB stated: “A circular was issued on April 4 for short leave to Muslim employees during the days of Ramzan. Now the competent authority has decided to withdraw the order with immediate effect.”

Delhi Jal Board withdraws its circular dated 5th April 2022 for short leave to all its Muslim Employees during the days of Ramzan issued earlier. pic.twitter.com/7l3rDvkGOs

— Delhi Jal Board (@DelhiJalBoard) April 5, 2022

The circular was undersigned by Virender Singh, Assistant Commissioner, Welfare, DJB. Delhi Jal Board CEO, AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj, did not respond to calls and messages seeking comment.

On the NDMC circular being withdrawn, the council’s V-C, BJP leader Satish Upadhayay, said: “I spoke to the chairman and competent authority to withdraw the order. You call this a secular country, why are you giving special treatment to one particular community? Hindus fast for nine days in Navratras, why don’t you give them two hours break in lunch and let them leave early so they can go to a temple and perform puja.”

According to a senior DJB official, the Board has issued circulars in previous years granting short leaves and relaxation to Muslim employees during the month of Ramzan. However, withdrawing the order has happened for the first time. “I have seen notifications since 2013. We provide short period leaves following the request of the workers’ union, which in fact has a majority of non-Muslim members… There is no communal or religious reason behind this order,” said a senior official from the welfare department.

The official added: “The decision (to withdraw the order) was taken at secretariat level and we have been asked to issue a fresh circular. But that doesn’t mean Muslim employees will be barred from praying or performing namaz. They can still do so like they usually do. Also, the short period was given during lunch-time, so the employees can pray during lunch and those who pray in the evening can pray at that time. The Jal Board is a secular department and respects all religions and their rituals,” said the official.

BJP leader Kapil Mishra, meanwhile, waded into the issue, tweeting on Tuesday night: “Jai Shri Ram. The Kejriwal government had to withdraw an order giving separate holidays to Muslims every day during Ramzan. It is necessary to oppose Muslim appeasement.”