Ramzan Relief: Telangana Staff Permitted to Leave Offices at 4 PM

In view of the holy month of Ramzan , the Telangana government has granted a special work-hour relaxation to Muslim employees to help them observe fasting and offer evening prayers. As per orders issued by Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao , employees working in state government departments , teachers, contract and outsourcing staff , and personnel in boards, corporations and public sector undertakings are permitted to leave offices at 4:00 PM during the fasting period. The relaxation will be in force from February 19 to March 20 , except in cases of service emergencies , enabling employees to perform evening prayers and break their fast on time.

The Education Department has also revised timings for Urdu medium schools , directing that classes be conducted from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM to support students observing the fast. This early-leave facility has been a recurring administrative measure in Telangana, continued by successive governments, and similar accommodations have been implemented in some other states during Ramzan.

However, the decision has previously triggered political debate , with BJP leaders, including Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar , questioning why comparable concessions are not extended to devotees observing the 41-day Ayyappa Deeksha or during other Hindu fasting periods. They have urged the government to ensure equal treatment for all communities. The government has defended the move as a temporary administrative facilitation aimed at helping employees balance religious observance with official responsibilities.