Jammu, 21-01-2024 : In anticipation of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has taken several measures, declaring a half-day holiday and a ‘dry day’ for the occasion. This significant decision was communicated through an official order issued by Commissioner Secretary General Administration Department (GAD), Sanjeev Verma.
The order stipulates a half-day public holiday in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, extending until 2:30 pm on January 22. This directive aligns with the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions (Department of Personnel & Training) decision to grant central government employees a half-day holiday in observance of the Ram temple consecration event in Ayodhya.
In a parallel order, the administration declared a ‘Dry Day’ for a duration of 36 hours, encompassing the consecration ceremony. The Excise Commissioner, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, issued an order on Sunday, stating that the sale of liquor will be prohibited from retail vends in the Union Territory on January 22.
According to the order, all wine shops and off-premises vends are mandated to close at 9 pm on Sunday, January 21, and resume operations at 9 am on January 23. Additionally, vends and bars situated in hotels, restaurants, clubs, and banquets must shut down at 11 pm on January 21 and reopen at 10 am on January 23.
The order explicitly mentions the cancellation of any permission previously granted for serving liquor to establishments or private individuals for social occasions on January 22, treating such permissions as null and void from the outset.
These measures underscore the administration’s proactive approach to ensuring peaceful and respectful observance of the significant event in Ayodhya, reflecting sensitivity to cultural sentiments and the need for maintaining decorum during such occasions. The declaration of a ‘dry day’ and the half-day holiday aim to facilitate public participation in events surrounding the Ram temple consecration while adhering to the guidelines set forth by the central government.