UP CM Yogi Grants 3-Day Holi Break, Warns Officials of Strict Action Over Salary Delays

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a three-day holiday for the Holi festival, covering March 2 to March 4, for all state government employees. The directive includes regular employees, outsourced personnel, contractual staff, and sanitation workers, ensuring that everyone enjoys the festivities without financial stress. Alongside the holiday, the state government has instructed that salaries for all categories of staff be disbursed before Holi, preventing delays in payments during the celebrations. March 2 marks Holika Dahan; March 3 has been declared a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881; and March 4 will see Holi celebrations. The CM emphasized strict compliance with these orders and warned of consequences for any negligence in implementing timely salary disbursal.

The announcement comes shortly after Yogi Adityanath returned from a four-day international visit to Singapore and Japan, where he attended over 60 meetings and investment events. During the tour, the Uttar Pradesh government signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹1.5 lakh crore and received investment proposals exceeding ₹2.5 lakh crore, promoting the state as a business and industrial destination. The CM highlighted that timely salary payments and administrative efficiency are crucial to ensure smooth functioning of government offices while supporting festive celebrations. This proactive step reflects the state’s focus on employee welfare and administrative discipline.

Officials clarified that all state government offices will function normally on February 28, which falls on a Saturday, before the Holi holidays begin. Outsourced and contractual staff, including sanitation workers, will also benefit from the early salary disbursal, ensuring that no employee faces financial difficulties during the festival. The government has coordinated the holiday schedule and payment timelines to align with Holika Dahan and Holi, reinforcing the festive spirit while maintaining administrative order. The holistic approach demonstrates the administration’s attention to both employee well-being and operational continuity.

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The Uttar Pradesh government’s 2026 holiday calendar lists March 2 for Holika Dahan and March 4 for Holi, with March 3 declared a public holiday under statutory provisions. Principal Secretary SVS Ranga Rao confirmed the government order, emphasising that salaries for all workers, irrespective of employment type, must be processed without delay. The CM stressed that failure to follow these instructions would attract strict action, reflecting his commitment to timely administrative execution. This measure not only supports festival celebrations but also ensures legal and procedural compliance across government offices.

Yogi Adityanath’s announcement underscores the importance of blending cultural observances with administrative efficiency. The early salary disbursal and extended holiday period enable employees to enjoy Holi festivities without concern for wages or work obligations. By including all categories of staff, the government promotes inclusivity and welfare, strengthening trust between employees and the administration. These measures also highlight the state’s broader vision of economic development and governance, showcased during the recent international investment tour, while ensuring that local traditions and employee needs are harmoniously balanced.

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