NPP Government Urged to Prepare for the Month of Ramadan with Transparency and Fairness
The NPP Government must make adequate preparations for the forthcoming month of Ramadan by ensuring the availability of dates and fruits for Muslims across the country. This includes permitting the importation of dates from overseas where necessary and distributing them through local mosques in a transparent and accountable manner. Previous governments have been accused of allowing donated dates to be diverted and sold in the wholesale market. The NPP Government is therefore expected to prevent such abuses and uphold transparency in distribution.
At the same time, the NPP Government has taken steps to reform the Haj pilgrimage selection process by making it fully independent and transparent. Under past administrations, serious allegations were raised that government ministers and their family members received free Haj pilgrimage facilities. The current approach aims to eliminate political interference and ensure equal opportunity based on clear criteria.
Special Concessions for Muslim Public Servants During Ramadan – New Circular Issued
In view of the upcoming month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has informed all state institutions to introduce special working arrangements to enable Muslim public officers to observe their religious practices.
This was communicated through a special circular issued to Ministry Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and Heads of State Corporations.
Working Arrangements and Leave
The Ramadan period this year is scheduled to be observed from 19 February to 21 March. During this period:
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A flexible working schedule must be arranged to facilitate Muslim officers in fulfilling their religious observances.
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Special leave should be approved only in unavoidable and essential circumstances.
Festival Advance Payments
The government has also decided to grant festival advance payments to eligible Muslim public officers to enable them to celebrate the Ramadan festival. Accordingly, the circular instructs that these advance payments should be disbursed 14 days prior to the conclusion of the Ramadan festival.