Kolkata, Oct. 23 -- Government hospital employees in West Bengal may no longer enjoy an extended Durga Puja holiday from next year, with the state health department deciding to end the longstanding practice of reduced activity from Shashthi until Lakshmi Puja.
Health minister Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay reportedly announced the decision on Friday, saying healthcare institutions could not follow the holiday pattern observed by other government departments as they provide essential services.
He said an unofficial tradition dating back to 1947 had allowed a festive holiday atmosphere to prevail in hospitals from Shashthi until Lakshmi Puja. The practice would now end, with staff required to return to duty instead of taking extended leave.
"From next year, there will be a special roster only for Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Dashami," the minister said, adding that employees who had been on leave this year had been asked to resume work.
According to Mukhopadhyay, teachers, principals, medical superintendents and vice-principals (MSVPs) of medical colleges, non-medical superintendents and sanitation workers had returned to work this year, in line with other government departments.
The minister said a special roster would continue for the four main Puja days next year, with non-medical staff strength cut to 50 per cent. Doctors and nurses will have no fixed festive roster, with deployment based on hospital needs to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.