Amid escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan, the Gujarat government on Friday cancelled all leave for state government officials and employees across all departments and institutions. The measure comes as a proactive step to strengthen the state’s preparedness, especially in border districts, in light of recent aerial and artillery attacks across India’s western frontier.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the urgent directive on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“In view of the prevailing situation, all types of leave for officers and employees of all departments and offices of the state government, as well as Boards, Corporations, Panchayats, Municipal Corporations, and autonomous and grant-in-aid institutions, have been cancelled with immediate effect.”
He also instructed that any personnel currently on leave must report back immediately and that no officer or employee should leave headquarters without prior approval.
High-Level Emergency Review Conducted
Earlier in the day, CM Patel chaired a high-level emergency preparedness review meeting at the State Emergency Operation Centre in Gandhinagar. The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi, senior bureaucrats, and representatives of the defence and paramilitary forces.
Through a video conference, the Chief Minister engaged directly with district collectors and SPs from border areas, issuing immediate directions regarding:
- Evacuation and shelter planning in vulnerable villages
- Ensuring availability of drinking water, food, fuel, and essential medicines
- Keeping control rooms and emergency operation centres functional 24×7
- Readiness of civil defence and medical support teams
- Use of satellite phones, hotlines, and alternative communication systems for uninterrupted coordination
“The administration must be fully prepared with civil defence measures and healthcare support,” said CM Patel, underlining the importance of community-level readiness.
Emphasis on Surveillance and Public Communication
The Chief Minister urged officials to strengthen surveillance, identify sensitive areas, and evaluate existing warning systems to prevent casualties in case of further escalation. He also emphasised the need for a statewide public awareness campaign to counter panic and misinformation.
“Only trust updates from official government social media handles,” the Chief Minister warned, referring to the widespread circulation of fake news amid ongoing conflict.
Full Support to Security Forces
CM Patel commended the coordination of the Indian Armed Forces, BSF, Coast Guard, and other central security agencies in safeguarding Gujarat’s extensive western border. He assured that the state government would extend full logistical and administrative support to deployed forces.
The heightened alert in Gujarat follows the large-scale Pakistani drone intrusions and missile attacks on Indian military positions on May 7 and 8, and the Indian retaliation under Operation Sindoor, targeting terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK.