Hyderabad: The Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments have permitted Muslim government employees to leave work an hour early during the holy month of Ramadan to offer prayers.

In Telangana, Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao issued a memo allowing Muslim employees in government departments, schools, boards, corporations and public sector undertakings to leave offices at 4 pm from February 19 to March 20, both days inclusive. The relaxation also applies to teachers, contract staff and outsourcing personnel.

The concession will be applicable except in cases of service exigencies where employees' presence is required.

Revised school timings in Telangana

The Telangana School Education Department has also revised school timings for Ramadan 2026. From February 19 to March 20, all Urdu medium government and aided schools, Urdu medium sections in parallel medium schools and DIET colleges will function from 8 am to 1.30 pm.

To compensate for reduced instructional hours, upper primary and secondary schools will work one additional day. Primary schools must extend classes by 30 minutes on two separate working days. Regional and district education officers have been directed to ensure compliance.

Andhra Pradesh issues similar orders

The Andhra Pradesh government has issued similar Ramadan work hour relaxation orders. Minority Welfare Minister N M D Farooq said the concession will be in force from February 18 to March 19.

The facility applies to Muslim employees across government departments, including teachers, contract and outsourcing staff, and personnel in village and ward secretariats such as Swarnagrama and Swarnaward secretariats.