Yogi Adityanath cancels officials' leaves and declares high alert before festivals

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has cancelled the leaves of government officers and employees ahead of the upcoming festive season. He has directed authorities to strengthen security arrangements across the state and remain on high alert. The Chief Minister clarified that leaves will be granted only in extraordinary circumstances.

During a meeting convened to review preparations for upcoming festivals including Deepotsav, Diwali, Chhath, and Dev Deepawali in Lucknow, Yogi Adityanath instructed officials to give utmost priority to security and social harmony. He issued a stern warning that any conspiracy to turn the festive atmosphere into unrest will not be tolerated.

The Chief Minister ordered the administration to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against anti-social elements and take strict action against those attempting to disrupt law and order. As part of the security arrangements, he instructed the police to maintain 24-hour surveillance in markets. To prevent unforeseen incidents during the festivals, adequate police personnel should be deployed at major temples and sensitive religious sites.

He also ordered constant monitoring of social media platforms and strict action against individuals spreading rumours or attempting to disturb communal harmony. Speaking on fire safety, Yogi Adityanath instructed officials that firecrackers should only be sold in open and designated safe areas. He also told the fire department to remain on high alert to face any emergency during the festivals.

In addition to security, the Chief Minister emphasised ensuring that essential services continue uninterrupted across the state during the festivals. He directed officials to maintain an uninterrupted supply of electricity and water, proper cleanliness, and adequate lighting arrangements. During the review, the Chief Minister also raised issues regarding farmers and instructed officials to take strict action against the black marketing of fertilisers and negligence in paddy procurement.

He stated that farmers should not face difficulties in obtaining fertilisers or selling their produce. He also warned that action would be taken against officials responsible for errors causing inconvenience to farmers. The Chief Minister also called for exemplary action against those involved in irregularities in ration distribution, especially in cases of underweight supplies. He directed authorities that action should be taken against those found guilty in a manner that serves as a deterrent to others.

Yogi Adityanath further directed that it must be ensured that employees hired through outsourcing and Anganwadi workers receive their honorarium before the festivals. Reiterating the administration's zero-tolerance approach towards unrest, he said that festivals should be celebrated in an atmosphere of happiness, peace, and social harmony. He told the administration to remain vigilant throughout the festivals, warning that no one attempting to take the law into their own hands or disturb public order will be spared.

Yogi Adityanath is leading the state as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.