The Himachal Pradesh state government has officially announced a public holiday on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Speaking in the state Vidhan Sabha during the assembly session on Thursday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that all educational institutions, colleges, and government offices across the state will remain closed for the festival.
Holiday Benefit Extended To Male Employees And Students
Across many states in India, Raksha Bandhan is not typically listed as a mandatory gazetted holiday for all sectors. In Himachal Pradesh as well, previous conventions granted a single day leave exclusively to female government employees. Under the updated decision announced by the Chief Minister, this holiday has now been extended universally to cover male staff, school pupils, and college students across the state.
Free HRTC Bus Travel For Women Retained
Alongside the holiday announcement, the state government will continue its tradition of providing free transit to female passengers on festival day. Women traveling across the state will be eligible for free rides in Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) ordinary buses. This initiative aims to ensure smooth travel for sisters visiting their brothers on Raksha Bandhan without financial burden.
Impact On Administrative Services And Academic Schedule
Following the Chief Minister's statement in the assembly, administrative departments and educational boards will update their institutional calendars. Citizens having scheduled visits to state departments or public counters are advised to plan around the holiday closure. Meanwhile, educational establishments will suspend all academic routines and lectures for the day.
