Holiday on Games closing day for Central govt offices in Delhi

All central government offices including Public Sector Undertakings in the national capital will remain closed on October 14 -- the day of the Closing Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday approved a proposal to this effect. Delhi Government has already declared October 14 as a holiday.

The opening Ceremony of the mega event will be held on October 3 which is a Sunday while the Closing Ceremony falls on Thursday. Both the ceremonies will be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

"The Union Cabinet today approved declaration of a holiday for Central Government offices, including Central Public Sector Undertakings, located in Delhi on October 14," Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said after the meeting.

The holiday has been declared as per the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.

She said the decision will facilitate the movement of traffic and ensure greater participation of public in the Closing Ceremony. The Games are scheduled to be held in the city from October 3 to 14.

Sources said Centre is likely to request governments of the neighbouring states to consider declaring October 14 a holiday for educational institutions and government offices in areas that fall under the National Capital Region.