The central government on January 9 changed the status of the Pongal holidays from compulsory to restricted. Pongal is a Tamil harvest festivals. People earlier availed a compulsory off on the occasion of Pongal. However, from now on, it would be considered as a restricted holiday.
Restricted holidays basically mean only the people related to the particular festival could avail an off or a holiday on that day. The reason of the decision has not been ascertained as yet.
This year, the main Pongal day falls on January 15. The government officials usually gets a 3 days off during Pongal every year.
Pongal is a harvest and thanksgiving festival marks the beginning of spring and the end of the traditional farming season. It celebrated with great pomp and fervour in the state of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Central Government has changed Pongal holiday from compulsory to restricted
— ANI (@ANI_news) January 9, 2017
A number of people on social media slammed the government over the move with many claiming that the move was anti-people.
Why this gov simply against tamilians? No holiday for tamilians festival #pongal?
Government for the people or people for the gov?— Prabhu J Daniel (@prabhujdaniel) January 9, 2017
Next hit for #Tamils, #Pongal holiday no more a #compulsory holiday!#Shame on you #BJP govt.,
— இளஞ்செந்தில் (@veelans) January 9, 2017
This is totally stupid decision from central government !!!
How can they remove #Pongal from holiday list ???
TN politicians hang yourselfs— Venkat Raman (@Venkatgangulian) January 9, 2017
Useless central government
You don't have any rights to talk about #pongal festival holiday @narendramodi @PMOIndia— Jayakumar Sadhasivam (@iamjayakumars) January 9, 2017
Why ppl #Pongal is never a #National Holiday it is just a #State Government Holiday OMG keep calm and Think over Guys
— VeenAGopaL IyeR (@VGLiyer01) January 9, 2017
Badly Missing Chief Minister Jayalalitha Now ___#Pongal #CentralGoverment
— T V A 😉 (@Mangathadaww) January 9, 2017
Earlier today, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revoke the ban on Jallikattu.
