The Odisha government has announced a half-day holiday for all state government offices and courts in Bhubaneswar on June 12. The decision comes in light of the swearing-in ceremony of the new chief minister and council of ministers. As per the notification issued by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, all state government offices and revenue and magisterial courts (executive) within the jurisdiction of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) will close after 1 pm on that day.

The new BJP government, led by the chief minister-elect, will take the oath of office on June 12 at 5 pm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Bhubaneswar at 2:30 pm and will proceed to Raj Bhavan from the airport. He will later attend the swearing-in ceremony at Janata Maidan.

The half-day holiday aims to facilitate the smooth conduct of the event and manage the expected traffic congestion in the city. Citizens and employees are advised to plan their schedules accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.

The announcement has created a buzz in the city, with preparations in full swing to welcome the new government and the Prime Minister. Security measures have been intensified, and the city is gearing up for the significant political event.