Modi government in bind over extended Eid holiday, budget rush

The government is caught between passing the budget and a demand for an extended Eid holiday. Many parties have sought an additional holiday on July 28, as the Eid is widely expected to fall on July 29.

The Modi government is caught between its rush to pass the general budget and a growing demand for an extended Eid holiday.

Many political parties have sought an additional holiday on July 28, as the Eid is widely expected to fall on July 29.

This, MPs have argued before the government and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, would give them a straight four-day vacation to spend in their constituencies.

In last Lok Sabha, the then Speaker Meira Kumar had granted such out-of-turn off days — that fell between a listed holiday and an weekend — on several occasions.

But the government has a pressing budget agenda. It has to pass the demand for grants of different ministries in both Houses of Parliament and get the President’s ascent on them before July 31.

This is absolute necessary as only the approval to these demands allows the government to spend money. The earlier approval of the Parliament ends on July 31.

If the government can’t pass the budget on time, it may lead to a constitutional crisis.

The government has already laid down a packed schedule with includes a full working day on July 28.

Sources added, in the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee, government representatives did not favour an extended Eid holiday.

However, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan is yet to take a call on the issue.