Hyderabad, February 20: Advisor to the Telangana Government (SC, ST, OBC & Minorities) Mohammed Ali Shabbir has thanked Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for issuing early orders to district collectors for making necessary arrangements for the holy month of Ramzan and Eid-ul-Fitr. He said the move has brought much relief, as the orders were issued more than two weeks in advance, allowing sufficient time for planning and implementation.

Shabbir Ali had earlier written to Chief Secretary A. Shanthi Kumari, urging the government to direct district collectors to convene review meetings to ensure smooth observance of Ramzan across the state. Following his request, the General Administration Department issued a memo to all district collectors, instructing them to hold meetings with officials from various departments, including municipal administration, revenue, panchayat raj, medical, police, and power supply, to make necessary arrangements.

Additionally, the Labour Department issued a separate order exempting shops and establishments across Telangana from certain provisions of the Telangana Shops and Establishment Act, 1988, allowing them to operate 24/7 from March 2 to March 31, 2025, for the convenience of the public during the holy month. The order mandates overtime wages for employees working beyond regular hours and ensures compensatory holidays for those working on designated off days.

Expressing gratitude to the state government, Shabbir Ali said, “Issuing these orders in advance reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring a hassle-free Ramzan for the people of Telangana. This timely action will help in better coordination of civic amenities, security, and other essential services, benefiting the entire community.”

He further urged officials to prioritise infrastructure upgrades at key religious sites, including Mecca Masjid and Royal Mosque, by replacing worn-out carpets and ensuring the functionality of CCTV cameras for enhanced security.

Shabbir Ali reiterated that the state government should ensure proper sanitation, uninterrupted water and power supply, and law-and-order arrangements to facilitate smooth fasting and prayers. He assured that he would continue to monitor the preparations to ensure effective implementation of the directives. (eom)