Srinagar, Jan 21: In anticipation of the historic inauguration of the Ram Mandir, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared a half-day public holiday on Monday. The General Administration Department’s order, in continuation of previous directives, specifies that the public holiday will be observed till 2:30 p.m. on January 22, 2024, in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The administration has also issued an order to close liquor shops for 36 hours, designating January 22 as a “Dry Day” in the Union territory. Excise Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma’s order explicitly prohibits the sale of liquor from retail vends on this day. It further details the closure timings for various establishments, with wine shops and vends off-premises closing at 9 p.m. on January 21 and reopening at 9 a.m. on January 23. Vends and bars in hotels, restaurants, clubs, and banquets are instructed to close at 11 p.m. on January 21 and resume operations at 10 a.m. on January 23.
The order emphasizes the cancellation of any permission granted for serving liquor during social occasions on January 22, treating such permissions as null and void.
The nationwide celebration of Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya has prompted the central government to announce a half-day closing until 2:30 p.m. on Monday for its offices, central institutions, and central industrial establishments. The move reflects the significance of this auspicious occasion, uniting people across the country in the celebration of cultural and religious heritage.
Meanwhile, the University of Kashmir has decided to postpone all examinations scheduled for Monday, January 22, 2024. The decision, as communicated by the Assistant Controller of Examination, in a notice issued by the university.
The notice states, “Fresh date(s) for the conduct of postponed papers shall be notified separately.” This move comes as a rescheduling measure, and students are advised to stay tuned for further announcements regarding the revised examination dates.
