In a move that has drawn attention, the NITI Aayog has issued an internal directive asking its officers and staff to report for work on December 25th, which is celebrated as Christmas, a gazetted holiday. This decision is linked to preparations for a significant conference chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Official Directive for Holiday Work
The directive was communicated through an office memorandum issued on December 20th. The order explicitly states that all officers, directors, and support staff are required to be present in the office on December 25th. The reason cited is the need for extensive preparations for the upcoming conference, which is a high-priority event for the government's premier policy think tank.
The memorandum, signed by a director-level official, emphasizes the critical nature of the work. It leaves no room for ambiguity, stating that the presence of the entire staff is "essential" to ensure the conference's success. This has effectively overridden the usual holiday schedule for the employees of the institution located in the heart of the national capital.
The Prime Minister's Conference Agenda
The conference in question is a major national event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to interact with key stakeholders. While the specific thematic focus of this year's conference was not detailed in the public memo, such gatherings typically revolve around critical issues of national development, economic policy, and cooperative federalism.
NITI Aayog, which replaced the Planning Commission, plays a central role in formulating strategic policy visions for the country. Conferences chaired by the Prime Minister are often platforms to launch new initiatives, review progress on existing schemes, and set the agenda for future collaboration between the central government and states.
Implications and Workplace Norms
This directive highlights the intense preparation that goes into organizing high-level government events. Asking staff to work on a major gazetted holiday like Christmas underscores the event's perceived importance within the administration. It also brings into focus the work culture and expectations within top government institutions during crucial periods.
While such requests for holiday work are not unprecedented for essential services or during national emergencies, they are less common for policy bodies. The order has sparked conversations about work-life balance in demanding government roles, especially during festive seasons. However, the official communication frames it as a necessary step for a landmark event of national significance spearheaded by the Prime Minister's Office.
The employees of NITI Aayog are now set to spend Christmas Day finalizing logistics, briefings, and documentation to ensure the conference chaired by PM Modi proceeds without a hitch, putting their official duties ahead of the holiday break.
