Bumper break in store for state govt employees

MUMBAI: State government employees are in for a long weekend, which means a large chunk of Mantralaya and BMC will be deserted.

The break began with Bakri Eid on Friday and all it requires is applying for casual leave on Monday to make the most of the Christmas holiday a day later. And this is precisely what most of them have done.

However, not all is lost what with the top brass ensuring that the week will begin on a bright note.

Chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who is in New Delhi, returns on Sunday. Likewise, his deputy, RR Patil, is back from his hometown Tasgaon the same day.

Chief secretary, Johny Joseph is undeterred by the prospects of an empty office. “I am always there,” he said confidently. “I have also lined up important meetings on Monday. The chief minister will hold meetings on Sunday itself which means there is no question of a long weekend. Some of us will be working at a stretch till Wednesday.”

Similarly BMC chief, Jairaj Phatak is not worried despite the fact that two of the four additional municipal commissioners are on leave.

“There is a standing committee meeting on Monday and a decision on the milk Scheme is also expected. After that I have a meeting at MMRDA that will be chaired by the CM at 2 pm.”

Mayor, Shubha Raul told DNA that she would also be at work on Monday. And life goes on in the state government.