The Odisha government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has issued a directive prohibiting all forms of New Year celebrations within state government office premises. The order, announced on Tuesday, has ignited a sharp political debate, with the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress condemning it as an overreach, while the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended it as a necessary step.
The Government Directive and Its Details
In an official statement, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) declared a complete ban on celebrations, meetings, feasts, and parties inside government offices. The only exception made was for the exchange of personal courtesy greetings. The CMO explicitly stated that January 1 would remain a normal working day and instructed heads of all departments and institutions to ensure strict compliance with the order.
Furthermore, the directive advised officials against visiting the Chief Minister or CMO staff in person to offer New Year wishes. The move marks a significant shift from previous years, where many government offices traditionally marked the occasion with activities like cutting cakes, sharing sweets, or organizing collective lunches.
Opposition Slams "Regressive" Order
The ban was met with immediate criticism from opposition parties. BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty strongly condemned the order, labeling it as "regressive and unnecessary overreach." He accused the government of policing the personal choices of employees and interfering with long-standing traditions.
"You cannot force people into doing what you want," Mohanty stated. He further alleged a pattern of behavior, saying, "They tampered with Teachers' Day and Children's Day. Now they're deliberately targeting Jan 1. This shows how out of touch they are."
Echoing similar sentiments, Congress legislature party leader Rama Chandra Kadam criticized the "people's government" for failing to respect public sentiment. He argued that celebrations serve as a way for employees to unwind in stressful workplaces. "You should find more occasions to celebrate, not cut them down," Kadam remarked.
BJP Defends Move to Curb "Lavish Party Culture"
Defending the government's decision, BJP spokesperson Dilip Mohanty clarified that the intention was to discourage the culture of gifting and extravagant parties within office premises. He emphasized that the Chief Minister had himself extended New Year greetings to the public.
"One should appreciate that the CM himself greeted people for the New Year. But a working day should not be wasted in the name of celebrations," Mohanty said, framing the order as a measure to ensure productivity and curb potential excesses.
The controversy highlights the early challenges for the new administration in balancing administrative discipline with employee morale and cultural practices within the state's bureaucratic framework.
