Public Holidays on Sundays: Should We Adjust Them to Another Day for Fair Time Off?

Adjusting Public Holidays Falling on a Weekly Off

In 2022, some public holidays fall on a Sunday (weekly off). In such a scenario, is it necessary to adjust them to another date? Kindly suggest. Additionally, if possible, please provide a list of public holidays for West Bengal.

As an HR professional and English grammar expert, I can help with your query. In most cases, when a public holiday coincides with a weekly off day, it is common practice to adjust it to another working day. This ensures that employees receive the appropriate time off and benefits entitled to them. However, specific policies and regulations may vary based on the organization and local laws.

Public Holidays in West Bengal for 2022

Regarding public holidays in West Bengal for 2022, here is a list of some major holidays observed in the state:
- New Year's Day
- Republic Day
- Holi
- Good Friday
- May Day (Labour Day)
- Eid al-Fitr
- Independence Day
- Gandhi Jayanti
- Durga Puja
- Diwali
- Christmas Day

Please note that this list may not be exhaustive, and there could be additional holidays or regional festivals observed based on specific practices in West Bengal. It is advisable to refer to official government sources or your organization's HR department for the complete and accurate list of public holidays for the year.

In India, when a nationalized or public holiday falls on a Sunday, it is a common practice for organizations and institutions to declare a compensatory holiday on the following working day. This practice is primarily to ensure that employees get the benefit of a holiday, as they are entitled to a fixed number of public holidays each year.

Here are the general guidelines followed:

1. Compensatory Holiday: If a public holiday (like Republic Day, Independence Day, etc.) falls on a Sunday, the next working day (typically Monday) may be declared as a compensatory holiday.

2. Weekly Off Adjustments: If a public holiday like Christmas falls on a Sunday, and Sunday is already a weekly off (day off), employees are not entitled to any other compensatory holiday. They only get their weekly off.

3. Employer Discretion: Employers have the discretion to decide whether to grant a compensatory holiday or provide alternative arrangements for employees who are expected to work on holidays.

As for specific public holidays in West Bengal for 2022, here is a general list:

1. Republic Day - January 26 (Wednesday)
2. Dol Jatra - March 15 (Tuesday)
3. Good Friday - April 15 (Friday)
4. Bengali New Year's Day - April 15 (Friday)
5. May Day (Labour Day) - May 1 (Sunday)
6. Buddha Purnima - May 16 (Monday)
7. Id-ul-Fitr - May 3 (Tuesday)
8. Independence Day - August 15 (Monday)
9. Janmashtami - August 14 (Sunday)
10. Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) - July 10 (Sunday)
11. Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday - October 2 (Sunday)
12. Maha Saptami - October 2 (Sunday)
13. Maha Ashtami - October 3 (Monday)
14. Maha Navami - October 4 (Tuesday)
15. Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) - October 5 (Wednesday)
16. Maharishi Valmiki's Birthday - October 16 (Sunday)
17. Diwali - October 25 (Tuesday)
18. Guru Nanak's Birthday - November 14 (Monday)
19. Christmas Day - December 25 (Sunday)

Please note, this list is indicative, and specific holidays may vary based on local announcements or specific organizational policies. It's advisable to check with your organization's HR department or the local government authorities for the most accurate and updated information regarding public holidays and compensatory holidays in West Bengal for 2022.