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Early Leaves! The Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments facilitate early leaves for the Muslim employees at the time of Ramadan.

The Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments have made provision for compassionate leave towards Muslim government employees fasting during the hard Ramadan season of 2026.

Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, in Telangana, gave all Muslim employees, regular and contract and outsourcing staff, and staff in boards, corporations, and public sector undertakings an allowance to leave the offices and schools at 4:00 p.m. every day during the day of Ramadan (minimal reference to the memo as published). The relaxation will take place between February 19 and March 20 (inclusive) to assist the employees to break their fast (Iftar) within time and conduct Maghrib prayers. The order is applicable except during an emergency or during exigencies of service whereby one is required to be present.

This has also been strengthened by the Telangana Human Rights Commission (TGHRC), which has issued a circular allowing an early departure time of 4 PM in order to allow them time to practice their religiosity.

Equally, the Andhra Pradesh government had already, through the Minority Welfare Minister N.M.D. Farooq, posted the same relief. This applies to the Muslim employees working in the various departments, such as teachers, contract staff, outsourcing staff, and the village/ward secretariats (Swarna Grama and Swarna Ward), who may leave one hour prior to the normal closing time. This concession will cover February 18-19, 2026, to allow attendance at prayers and practice fasting, although exceptions are made in the case of immediate obligations.

Such decisions are indicative of the tradition of the accommodation of religious practices in Ramadan and have been observed enthusiastically by minority welfare associations. Although certain political discussions have also led to posts on the internet, the orders focus on inclusiveness and work-life balance in the holy month.

The relocation will mean that Muslim employees will be able to enjoy Ramadan celebrations without any strains at work, and this will lead to harmony and sensitivity in the service provision. Keep on watching the state policies at the time of festivals!