Week-long Diwali for govt agencies

The Central Building, where most State Government offices are located, wore a deserted look today although it was not an official holiday. The premises, normally buzzing with activity, were quiet. Officials admitted that only 15 per cent of the 15,000 employees had reported for work.

The scene at the district collectorate was no different. There was not a single white ambassador car in the premises as most officers were on leave.In the Pune Municipal Corporation, officials who reported for work in the morning preferred to leave early in the afternoon. Sources said only 40 per cent of the 15,000 civic employees reported for work.

While the PMC corridors were deserted, the officials did convene a meeting of the standing committee. Officials in various departments (who did not want to be quoted), said leave applications had been filed by some but most employees would file them after they return. With most of the clerical staff absent, junior engineers and others too plan to play truant on Friday.

Over 40 per cent staff in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation did not report for work. Absenteeism was high across all sections of employees from senior officers to lower ranked employees. Most of those who reported for work, a sizeable number left for home after taking a half day.

The scene at insurance company offices was similar. Bank branches had a hectic day as customers rushed to withdraw money for Diwali. Bank officials said consecutive holidays during Diwali normally did not affect attendance as they know it is a hectic time for them.