The West Bengal government has issued an official notification announcing a half-day holiday on July 1 and a full-day holiday on July 6.
The decision was first announced during the state Budget, where Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya declared a full-day holiday on July 6 to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. The government formally notified the decision on Thursday. It has also declared a half-day holiday on July 1 on the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.
Governor approves holidays under Negotiable Instruments Act
According to the government notification, the Governor has approved both holidays under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, along with the relevant notification issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
The notification states, "On the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the Government of West Bengal has declared a full-day holiday on July 6 (Monday)."
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Half-day holiday on July 1 for educational institutions
The state has also announced a half-day holiday on July 1 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.
Government educational institutions and government-aided institutions across West Bengal will remain closed after 2 pm on that day. However, the Office of the Registrar of Assurances, Kolkata, and the Office of the Collector of Stamp Revenue have been kept outside the scope of this order.
Plans announced to commemorate Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee
The West Bengal government has announced a series of initiatives to highlight the contributions of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.
As part of the plan, a 125-foot statue of the leader will be installed, with the foundation stone scheduled to be laid on July 6. His ancestral home at Jirat in Hooghly will also be renovated. In addition, a library and a park named after him will be developed. The state has already allocated ₹200 crore for these projects.
Doctors' Day observed on Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy's birth anniversary
July 1 is observed as Doctors' Day across West Bengal in memory of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.
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Government and private hospitals organise programmes to mark the occasion. Floral tributes are paid to the former Chief Minister, while cultural events, health check-up camps and public awareness programmes are also held across the state.
FAQs:
When is West Bengal Day celebrated?
West Bengal Day (Paschimbanga Dibas) is observed every year on June 20.
Why is June 20 important in West Bengal's history?
On June 20, 1947, the Bengal Legislative Assembly voted on the future of Bengal ahead of the Partition of India.
