Mizoram declares holiday for schools, half-day for govt offices for FIFA World Cup final

Mizoram has declared a full holiday on Monday for all schools, colleges and other educational institutions, while government offices will function only from the afternoon, to enable people to watch the FIFA World Cup final.

An office memorandum issued by the General Administration Department on Sunday said all schools, colleges and other educational institutions under the state government will remain closed on Monday, allowing students and employees to watch the World Cup final.

Government offices, except banking institutions, will observe a half-holiday and remain closed during the forenoon. They will resume functioning from 1 pm to 5 pm, it said.

The government said the decision was taken in view of the widespread public interest in the FIFA World Cup final, which will be played after midnight in India.

"All heads of Departments and Offices shall ensure that essential and emergency services remain functional without interruption and shall make suitable arrangements wherever necessary," the memorandum said.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma said football occupies a special place in the hearts of the Mizo people and many youths in the state have the potential to build careers through the sport.

"We Mizos are great lovers of football, and among our youth there are now many who are skilled enough to make a livelihood through the sport. We also desire to nurture and produce more such talented young people," he said in a social media post, sharing the government memorandum.

Describing the FIFA World Cup as "The Greatest Show on Planet", the CM said the final would be played after midnight in India, making it difficult for many football fans to watch the match and report to work or school early the next morning.

"Therefore, following the practice adopted by some football-loving states, and so that all of us may comfortably watch the match together, we have decided to declare July 20 as a holiday for all schools. Government offices will observe a half-holiday, and offices will open from 1 pm onwards," he added.

Lalduhoma urged the people of Mizoram to enjoy the World Cup final with joy and enthusiasm.

Several private schools have also announced a holiday on Monday in view of the final.