Public Holiday: Ahead of Holi, major relief has been announced for government employees in Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed all departments to release salaries on time. March 2, 3, and 4 will be holidays. March 1 is Sunday, so if this is added, the total holiday is four days. To provide relief for Holi, the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department will operate additional buses from February 28 to March 9.
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Public Holiday: There’s some significant relief for Uttar Pradesh government employees. Yogi Adityanath has issued clear instructions that all state employees’ salaries should reach their accounts before Holi. Furthermore, orders have been issued to ensure timely payments to all categories of employees, including outsourcing, contract workers, and sanitation workers. The Chief Minister has clearly warned officials that any negligence in salary distribution will not be tolerated.
Three-day holiday, salary will be credited first
The state government has also announced a holiday for Holi. Holi holidays will be on March 2, 3, and 4. Additionally, all employees will receive a holiday on March 3, 2026. February 28, 2026 (Saturday) has been declared a working day to maintain a balanced work schedule. The government believes that employees should have mental peace and family time during the festival. Paying salaries on time will brighten markets and encourage shopping. March 1 is a Sunday, so if this is added, the holiday will be four days.
Special Preparations for Passengers
In view of the large influx of passengers returning home for Holi, the Transport Department has made extensive arrangements. Additional buses will be operated from February 28th to March 9th. Passengers traveling to and from Western Uttar Pradesh, especially Delhi and Ghaziabad, are expected to be high. Minister of State for Transport (Independent Charge) Dayashankar Singh stated that additional buses will be immediately deployed on routes that receive 60 percent passenger load from the originating point. Officials have been instructed to ensure 100% of corporation buses are on the roads. Contracted bus crews will not be granted leave during the festival period to ensure service is not disrupted. Vehicle owners have also been directed to complete repairs on time and make their buses available for operation.
Special Emphasis on Safety
In view of the potential for road accidents and traffic jams during the festival, security has been given top priority. Enforcement teams will be constantly active. Drivers and conductors will be subjected to breathalyzer tests to eliminate the possibility of driving under the influence of alcohol. The technical condition of buses will also be thoroughly inspected. Instructions have been given to ensure that seats are in good condition, window panes are in perfect condition, and fire safety equipment is available. Special attention will also be paid to cleanliness in bus stations and buses.
Special Incentives for Employees
A special incentive scheme has been implemented for drivers and conductors who perform extra duty during Holi. For an average of 300 kilometers per day, a total of ₹3,600 will be awarded. If a driver or conductor completes 10 days of full duty and meets the prescribed standard, they will receive an incentive of up to ₹4,500 at the rate of ₹450 per day. An additional honorarium of 55 paise per kilometer will also be provided for those exceeding the prescribed standard. Separate arrangements have also been made for employees working in depots and regional workshops. ₹2,100 will be awarded for 10 consecutive days of duty, and ₹1,800 for 9 days of duty.
Recognition for Outstanding Performance
The government has also decided to reward employees and officers who perform outstanding work during the festival period with additional recognition. Special incentives will be awarded upon the recommendation of the regional committee. Regional managers and service managers of the three regions with the highest revenue per bus will receive a commendation certificate. Also, Assistant Regional Managers of 10 depots will also be honored for their excellent performance.
