Hyderabad, February 18 – The Telangana government has allowed shops and business establishments in the state to remain open until 5 a.m. during the holy month of Ramadan.
On Wednesday, Labour Commissioner M. Dana Kishore issued orders exempting shops and businesses in the state from certain provisions of the Telangana Shops and Establishments Act of 1988 from February 19 to March 20 (inclusive).
Shops and hotels have been allowed to operate until "Sehri" (pre-dawn meals) or 5 a.m. every day.
The Commissioner stated that overtime wages should be paid according to the Act. Management must provide compensatory holidays to employees who work on holidays.
He also directed that the working hours on any given day should not exceed 13 hours.
Women employees are exempted from working extra hours, and no women employees are allowed to work after 8:30 p.m., according to the order.
The state government had already issued orders permitting Muslim employees to leave offices an hour early during Ramadan.
A similar order has been issued by the Andhra Pradesh government, permitting Muslim employees to leave offices at 4 p.m.
Meanwhile, the fasting month of Ramadan will begin on February 19, following the sighting of the new crescent.
The Central Ruyaat-e-Hilaal Committee in Hyderabad announced that the moon of Ramadan was sighted on Wednesday, and therefore February 19 (Thursday) will be the first day of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
On the occasion of the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy extended heartfelt greetings to the Muslim community.
"The fasting and prayers observed by Muslims during the entire holy month enhance spirituality and discipline," he said in his message.
He stated that Telangana is an embodiment of preserving secularism and religious harmony in the country.
The Chief Minister wished that the Muslims celebrate the holy month with joy and receive the blessings of Allah.
