Kolkata, 17 February (H.S.): Senior Congress leader and former Member of Parliament Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Tuesday wrote to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, urging the state government to make special arrangements during the holy month of Ramzan and on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

In his letter, Chowdhury stated that Ramzan and Eid hold deep religious and social significance for the Muslim community. He placed several public-interest proposals before the government to ensure that citizens can observe the festival without inconvenience.

Among his key demands were special or subsidised allocations of essential commodities — including rice, pulses, sugar and dates — through the public distribution system. He also proposed the formation of a special task force to monitor markets and prevent abnormal price hikes of fruits and other essential items during Ramzan.

The Congress leader further urged the government to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and access to clean drinking water during Iftar and Sehri hours. He called for additional train and government bus services ahead of Eid to ease travel congestion and suggested that important examinations not be scheduled during the week of Eid prayers to avoid hardship for students travelling long distances.

Chowdhury also recommended temporary adjustments in office timings to accommodate fasting employees and sought the declaration of a minimum of three days of government holiday for Eid. He argued that if holidays are granted one day before and one day after Eid, people working far from their hometowns would be able to celebrate the festival with their families, thereby strengthening family bonds and social harmony.

He emphasised that his proposals are not demands for special privileges but reflect the need for administrative sensitivity and civic support during a major religious festival.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh