Indians, among the most generously endowed lot when it comes to public holidays, may no longer be able to take their time off from work for granted with the Sixth Pay Commission suggesting closure of offices only on three national holidays.

"I am taking away the gazetted holidays. It is time we take a rational attitude towards this matter. If we want to become 'Star No.1' (in the global arena) we will have to sacrifice something," Commission chairman Justice B N Srikrishna told reporters in New Delhi.

The commission, which submitted its report on revision of salaries for over 4 million government employees, said that employees should be willing to forego holidays in the larger interest of the nation.

It suggested doing away with 14 gazetted holidays, meaning offices would be open on all days except the three national holidays -- Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti.

However, the commission increased the number of 'restricted holidays' from two to eight.

It also said that the five-day work week for government employees will continue.

• Sixth Pay Commission: Coverage