Kerala General Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Thursday (December 25, 2025) strongly criticised the decision to hold special programmes at Lok Bhavan on Christmas Day, alleging that employees were effectively denied a holiday on a major festival.
The Minister made the remarks after Lok Bhavan observed Good Governance Day on December 25 to mark the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Sivankutty, who also holds the labour portfolio, alleged that staff were asked to report for duty on Christmas.
He described the move as "highly objectionable" and contrary to the principles of labour justice.
Mr. Sivankutty said the action appeared to be part of a broader pattern, referring to earlier orders issued in Uttar Pradesh, including those denying holidays to schools.
He said the subsequent clarification by Lok Bhavan authorities — that participation in the programme was "optional" — was an attempt to mislead the public after the issue triggered controversy.
