The West Bengal government has issued an official notification declaring a half-day holiday on July 1 and a full-day public holiday on July 6. The announcement follows the decision made during the state Budget, where Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya announced a full-day holiday on July 6 to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.
The notification, issued on Thursday, also confirms a half-day holiday on July 1 to commemorate the birth anniversary of former West Bengal Chief Minister Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.
West Bengal holiday notification issued under Negotiable Instruments Act
According to the official 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.
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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).”
Which offices and institutions will remain closed on July 1?
As per the notification, government educational institutions and government-aided institutions across West Bengal will remain closed after 2 pm on July 1 in observance of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy’s birth anniversary.
However, the Office of the Registrar of Assurances, Kolkata, and the Office of the Collector of Stamp Revenue have been exempted from the order.
Why is July 6 a public holiday in West Bengal?
The full-day holiday on July 6 has been announced to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.
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The West Bengal government has also unveiled several initiatives to commemorate the occasion. These include the installation of a 125-foot statue of Dr Mukherjee, with the foundation stone scheduled to be laid on July 6. His ancestral home at Jirat in Hooghly will be renovated, while a library and a park bearing his name will also be developed. The state government has allocated ₹200 crore for these projects.
Doctors’ Day to be observed on July 1
July 1 is observed as Doctors’ Day across West Bengal to honour the birth anniversary of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.
Government and private hospitals mark the occasion with floral tributes, cultural programmes, health check-up camps and public awareness initiatives dedicated to the former Chief Minister and renowned physician.
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.
