West Bengal has officially revised its Bakrid holiday schedule for 2026, putting an end to days of confusion surrounding the festival break across government offices, schools, and public institutions.

According to the latest administrative directive issued by the state government, May 28, 2026 (Thursday), has been declared the sole public holiday for Bakrid, also known as Eid-ul-Adha. The holiday has been notified under the Negotiable Instruments Act, making it applicable for government establishments and notified institutions across the state.

The revised order also confirmed that the previously announced holidays on May 26 and May 27 have been cancelled. Both days will now function as regular working days for government departments, educational institutions, and other state-run offices.

The clarification comes after widespread public discussion and uncertainty over whether the state would observe multiple holidays linked to Bakrid celebrations. Students, government employees, and private sector workers had been awaiting an official confirmation regarding the final holiday calendar.

Administrative officials stated that the updated directive was issued to streamline the official holiday schedule and avoid further confusion. Authorities also advised citizens and institutions to rely only on verified government notifications for information related to public holidays and festival schedules.

Bakrid is one of the major Islamic festivals celebrated across India and is observed with prayers, gatherings, and charitable activities. Since the festival date depends on moon sighting, state governments often review and finalize holiday schedules closer to the occasion.

In Kolkata and several other districts, educational institutions and offices are now expected to follow the revised government order without any additional holiday extension unless a fresh notification is issued later.

Officials clarified that no further changes to the Bakrid holiday calendar have been announced as of now. The updated schedule effectively limits the official Eid-ul-Adha break in the state to a single day on May 28, 2026.

No Cash Payments at Toll Plazas on National Highways from April 10

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notifies complete shift to FASTag and UPI at over 1,150 fee plazas; cash transactions will end from April 10, 2026.

Ministry Issues Notification  

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a gazette notification discontinuing cash payments at all toll plazas located on national highways. The new rule takes effect from April 10, 2026. Commuters will now be able to pay toll fees only through FASTag or Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

Digital Modes Mandatory  

Under the updated rules, vehicles plying on national highways must use either a valid FASTag or UPI at fee plazas. The move forms part of the government’s push towards fully digital toll collection across the country’s extensive highway network.

Aim to Cut Queues  

A senior National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official said the decision seeks to reduce long queues at toll gates and ensure smoother travel for daily commuters. Officials believe the cashless system will speed up passage and minimise delays that often stretch for kilometres during peak hours.

UPI Costs More Without FASTag  

The notification makes clear that vehicles entering a plaza without a functional FASTag can still pay via UPI, but at a higher rate. Users will have to pay 1.25 times the applicable toll fee. The exact provision states that if the owner or driver does not opt for the specified payment mode, the vehicle will be dealt with under existing rules.

FASTag Annual Pass Gets Costlier  

The change comes weeks after NHAI raised the price of the FASTag annual pass by 2.5 per cent. The pass now costs ₹3,075 instead of the earlier ₹3,000. The hike has already drawn attention from frequent highway users who rely on the annual pass for multiple trips.

Over 1,150 Toll Plazas Affected  

More than 1,150 fee plazas operate on various national highways and expressways across India. The uniform cashless policy will apply to every one of them, marking a nationwide shift in how tolls are collected on major roads.

Vehicle Prices Rise Adds Pressure  

The toll rule change coincides with a 2-3 per cent increase in prices of commercial and passenger vehicles that took effect from April 1. Buyers who booked vehicles earlier but received billing after March 31 must now pay the revised rates. This dual burden of higher vehicle costs and stricter toll payments has left many motorists concerned.

The transition is expected to bring short-term inconvenience for users who still prefer cash or lack digital payment options. Transport experts note that millions of vehicles use these highways daily, and the absence of cash counters may initially slow down those unprepared for the change. However, the government views the step as essential for modernising highway infrastructure and reducing leakages in toll collection.

This India news update aligns with broader government efforts to promote digital payments and improve efficiency on national highways. Frequent travellers have been advised to ensure their FASTag is active and linked to sufficient balance well before April 10. State transport departments are also expected to issue awareness drives in the coming days.

As the deadline approaches, the focus remains on seamless implementation. Officials have indicated that the cashless system will eventually make highway journeys faster and more predictable for millions of citizens. The no cash payments at toll plazas policy is now just two days away from becoming reality.

Madhya Pradesh Govt Nominates Eldermen for 65 Nagar Parishads

Fresh order under Nagar Palika Act ensures seamless urban governance till polls or next directive

In a significant administrative step, the Madhya Pradesh government today notified the nomination of eldermen for 65 Nagar Parishads across the state. The Urban Development and Housing Department issued the order  of the Madhya Pradesh Nagar Palika Adhiniyam, 1961, appointing four eldermen each to these urban local bodies. The nominations will remain in force till the existing councils complete their term or until further orders, whichever comes earlier.

The notification aims to prevent any administrative vacuum in civic bodies where regular elections are yet to be scheduled. Senior officials confirmed the move will ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services such as water supply, sanitation, road maintenance, street lighting and solid waste management in these towns.

Nominations Span Multiple Divisions  

The comprehensive list covers urban bodies in districts including Sagar, Rewa, Mauganj, Shahdol, Umaria, Katni, Dindori, Narsinghpur, Balaghat, Seoni, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Narmadapuram, Harda, Betul, Burhanpur and Khargone. Key councils include Karoulapur, Bilhara, Surkhi and Rahatgarh in Sagar division; Vaikunthpur, Sirmour, Dabhoura, Semariya, Tyonthar and Chakghat in Rewa; Budhar in Shahdol; and several others in the Narmada and southern regions.

Legal Framework and Immediate Effect  

The state government exercised its statutory powers to nominate these eldermen for smooth functioning of the councils. Every nominee’s full name, father’s or husband’s name and ward number have been explicitly mentioned in the official order, making the entire process transparent and verifiable. The nominations take immediate effect upon publication.

Ward-Wise Details of Nominated Eldermen  

The order features a balanced mix of experienced local leaders, women representatives and community figures from different wards. In Nagar Parishad Karoulapur (Sagar), Shri Prabhu Singh (Ward 15, Majhgawan), Smt. Kamlesh Rani Ray (Ward 5), Shri Shripal Jain (Ward 11) and Shri Vikram Singh (Ward 8) have been nominated. In Bilhara, Shri Manish Garg (Ward 1, Singwahani), Shri Raju Patel (Ward 4, Ganesh Chowk), Shri Pushpendra Thakur (Ward 1) and Shri Hiralal Ahirwar (Ward 5) find place. Similar ward-specific appointments have been made in Surkhi, Rahatgarh, Vaikunthpur, Sirmour, Dabhoura, Semariya and dozens of other councils, ensuring broad local representation.

Ensuring Continuity of Civic Services  

With local body polls not yet notified in these areas, the fresh nominations of eldermen will allow the councils to convene meetings, sanction development works and resolve public grievances without any delay. This is especially important for ongoing schemes under state and central urban missions.

Impact on Urban Governance  

The decision is expected to strengthen grassroots democracy in smaller towns where elected bodies sometimes face delays in reconstitution. Residents of these 65 Nagar Parishads can now directly approach the newly nominated eldermen for civic issues. It also reflects the government’s priority to keep urban development on track while preparations for the next municipal elections are underway.

What Lies Ahead  

The state is likely to announce the schedule for regular Nagar Parishad elections in the coming months. Till then, the newly nominated eldermen will work alongside any existing elected members to implement development projects and maintain public services. The complete list of names, parentage and wards has been published in the official gazette for public information and easy reference.

This proactive step by the Madhya Pradesh government underscores its commitment to robust urban local self-governance and timely public service delivery across the state.