The CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala issued an order to ban Onam festivities in state-run offices and institutions during working hours.

This year, the official Onam celebrations will begin on September 12 and the festivities should be conducted without causing any difficulties to public and affecting the operations of the office, the order said.

The order was issued by the Chief Secretary S M Vijayanand, it reads, “The government is of the view that it is appropriate to avoid conducting celebrations in offices as it affects work there. The celebrations should be arranged in such a manner that it should not affect the work and not cause any difficulties to public.”

“Not only Onam, for that matter, any festival celebrations should be held without affecting the functioning of office work. In this matter, government would ensure its intervention,” Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, wrote on the social networking site.

Nandini