Mini-vacation mania grips government offices as leave applications surge ahead of August holidays
With August ushering in a string of festivals and long weekends, government offices across Gujarat are witnessing a familiar, spirited buzz—not of official files or departmental meetings, but of employees queueing up to submit leave applications well in advance.The Secretariat, often considered the nerve centre of administrative activity, is now abuzz with talk of holiday plans. With Rakshabandhan on August 9 (Saturday) followed by a Sunday, and Independence Day and Janmashtami following close on August 15 (Friday) and 16 (Saturday), many employees are eyeing a clever combination of leave days to turn this festive cluster into a much-needed break.Four days of leave, nine days of restThe draw is clear: those who manage to get leave approved for the four working days from 11 to 14 August can enjoy a nine-day holiday stretch from 9 to 17 August. Unsurprisingly, leave planning has become a hot topic in departments across the state.“Unless it’s about leave, they don’t want to talk about any other work,” said one senior official with a smile, hinting at the mood in the office.Politics and leave dynamics Of course, not everyone gets to switch on their out-of-office reply. With limited leave quotas and operational needs, not all requests can be approved, leaving room for informal office dynamics to play a role. Those seen as being in the “good books” of senior officers tend to get their applications signed off more easily, while others face a tougher time negotiating time off.Still, employees are doing everything they can to be among the lucky 50% who manage to secure time off.From discussions over lunch breaks to impromptu desk-side strategising, many employees are doing the maths on how to make the most of August’s calendar. Some are even informally checking who else has applied, to improve their own odds.Circuit houses and banks also prepareAnticipating the travel rush, Gujarat Government Circuit Houses—which offer accommodation to government employees—have already begun preparations for increased footfall.The trend isn’t limited to government offices. Banks, schools, and colleges are also seeing a similar flurry of leave requests as staff eye the extended break to travel, rest, or spend time with family.As the holiday spirit begins to take hold, one thing is clear: the mini-vacation season is officially in session.
With August ushering in a string of festivals and long weekends, government offices across Gujarat are witnessing a familiar, spirited buzz—not of official files or departmental meetings, but of employees queueing up to submit leave applications well in advance.
The Secretariat, often considered the nerve centre of administrative activity, is now abuzz with talk of holiday plans. With Rakshabandhan on August 9 (Saturday) followed by a Sunday, and Independence Day and Janmashtami following close on August 15 (Friday) and 16 (Saturday), many employees are eyeing a clever combination of leave days to turn this festive cluster into a much-needed break.
Four days of leave, nine days of rest
The draw is clear: those who manage to get leave approved for the four working days from 11 to 14 August can enjoy a nine-day holiday stretch from 9 to 17 August. Unsurprisingly, leave planning has become a hot topic in departments across the state.
“Unless it’s about leave, they don’t want to talk about any other work,” said one senior official with a smile, hinting at the mood in the office.
Politics and leave dynamics
Of course, not everyone gets to switch on their out-of-office reply. With limited leave quotas and operational needs, not all requests can be approved, leaving room for informal office dynamics to play a role. Those seen as being in the “good books” of senior officers tend to get their applications signed off more easily, while others face a tougher time negotiating time off.
Still, employees are doing everything they can to be among the lucky 50% who manage to secure time off.
From discussions over lunch breaks to impromptu desk-side strategising, many employees are doing the maths on how to make the most of August’s calendar. Some are even informally checking who else has applied, to improve their own odds.
Circuit houses and banks also prepare
Anticipating the travel rush, Gujarat Government Circuit Houses—which offer accommodation to government employees—have already begun preparations for increased footfall.
The trend isn’t limited to government offices. Banks, schools, and colleges are also seeing a similar flurry of leave requests as staff eye the extended break to travel, rest, or spend time with family.
As the holiday spirit begins to take hold, one thing is clear: the mini-vacation season is officially in session.
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