West Bengal schools to remain closed on July 6 as state declares public holiday: Here’s why

West Bengal has declared July 6 a public holiday to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The decision will keep schools, government offices, local bodies, state undertakings and other government-controlled institutions closed for the day, as the state pays tribute to one of its prominent historical figures.

The West Bengal government has announced a statewide public holiday on July 6 to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The announcements, issued through notification by the state’s Finance Department, will affect government offices, educational institutions, and several public bodies across the state.The move formally recognises two prominent figures closely associated with West Bengal’s history, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and former Chief Minister Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy.

July 6 declared public holiday across West Bengal

According to a Finance Department notification issued on Thursday, July 6 will be observed as a public holiday throughout West Bengal to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.The notification described Mookerjee as “one of the most illustrious sons of this state”, underscoring the government’s decision to dedicate a full public holiday in his honour. As a result, state government establishments covered under the notification will remain closed for the day.

Government offices and educational institutions to remain closed

The July 6 holiday will apply to a wide range of institutions functioning under the West Bengal government.These include:

The closure is expected to impact routine administrative work and academic activities across the state for the day.

Half-day holiday was announced for Doctors’ Day on July 1

In a separate memorandum, the state government also declared a half-day holiday on July 1 to observe Doctors’ Day, which is celebrated annually in memory of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal and one of India’s most respected physicians.Under the order, all eligible government offices and institutions will remain open during the first half of the day and close from 2 pm onwards.The memorandum noted that, as in previous years, the state will officially observe the occasion as Doctors’ Day.

Institutions covered under the July 1 order

The half-day closure will apply to:

The decision follows the state’s annual practice of marking Doctors’ Day in honour of Dr Roy’s contributions to medicine and public service.