'ONAM' CELEBRATIONS IN GOVERNMENT OFFICES

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarai Vijayan advised the government officers that they don’t celebrate onam in government offices at the office hours. “Office hours are sacrosanct and they should not be spent on onam shopping or laying traditional floral designs (athapookkalam). “Such activities should be done outside of working hours”. “Government offices often turn in to a centre for traders. Government employees have enough leave and time for shopping. They don’t need to use office hours for such activities”. Chief Minister said these words while inaugurating onam fairs of Supplyco.

According to this, Chief Secretary will issue an order restricting celebrations in government offices during office hours. Several service organizations would be organizing Onam celebrations at the Secretariate, Collectorate etc. on different days ahead of Onam holidays forcing a complete administrative breakdown. This is great difficulty to the public who approaches government offices for solutions to their problems. Service organizations have planed Onam celebrations from September 5th onwards.

Link : /www.hindublog.com/2007/08/onam-pookalam-photos-of-floral-designs.html

Some opposition leaders and service organizations leaders responded to restrictions of government negatively. Opposition Leader commended that CM’s directive as an insult to the people. They are defying Chief Minister’s statement. Some leaders are stating that CM’s action is a conspiracy to the cultural fabric of Kerala. Opposite Service organizations complaining it is a willful action of the CM to blame them before general public. BJP leaders are accusing government’s action, is in tune of religious attack. A good chunk of general public is overwhelmingly welcoming CM’s statement and action.  People who had visited government offices and suffered in bygone time are welcoming CM’s statement and actions.

                                                                                                                                                                    Actually, CM is not against celebrations in offices. But his stand is that it's celebrations at office hours. Some government servants are doing before Onam purchases for their home, their Barbour shop visit for hair dressing, even temple visits etc. at office hours. Hence they can save time to watch Onam TV programs. I had encountered such situations some time in offices. So the decision and sincere actions of government is to be hailed.

.