The West Bengal government on Friday informed the Calcutta High Court that attendance at the International Yoga Day programme is not mandatory for state government employees. The clarification came in response to questions raised by the court over a government directive related to the June 21 event.
The BJP-led state government told the court that no employee would be compelled to participate in the Yoga Day programme and that no punitive action would be taken against those who choose not to attend.
The controversy stemmed from a June 14 notification issued by the office of the Chief Secretary. The directive had stated that employees across all categories—including permanent, temporary, contractual, daily-wage, outsourced and honorarium-based workers—should take part in the Yoga Day celebrations. Employees of state-run undertakings, autonomous bodies and local government institutions were also included in the advisory.
The notification was challenged before the Calcutta High Court by the Left-backed Coordination Committee, an organisation representing government employees. During Thursday’s hearing, Justice Amrita Sinha directed the state to file an affidavit clarifying whether it had the authority to issue such a directive.
Responding to the court on Friday, the state government clarified that participation in the Yoga Day programme is voluntary and not compulsory for government staff.
The development comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kolkata on June 21 to attend the International Yoga Day celebrations. Preparations for the event have been underway for several days, with extensive arrangements being made at Red Road, where the main programme will be held.
Traffic restrictions have already been imposed in and around the area, and large-scale infrastructure and security preparations are being carried out. The event had also prompted a separate petition before the High Court. However, the court declined to interfere with the state’s arrangements and did not grant any interim stay. It did, however, direct the police to ensure alternative traffic routes are available in the larger public interest.
According to administrative sources, Red Road was selected as the venue considering the monsoon season and the muddy condition of several open grounds across the city. Around 38,000 participants have already registered for the programme.
Authorities have arranged seating for nearly 35,000 people in front of the main stage. Officials expect that several lakh people will participate in Yoga Day events being organised across Kolkata and adjoining areas.
Participants attending the Red Road programme on June 21 have been asked to enter the venue by 6:15 a.m. The main event is scheduled to begin approximately 30 minutes later in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Security and administrative preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit have entered the final stage.
