Punjab government offices buzz with early activity as six-and-a-half-hour workday kicks in

Punjab government offices buzz with early activity as six-and-a-half-hour workday kicks in

The Punjab CM said the new work hours will ensure that maximum sunlight is utilised in government offices and help save power.

Published: 02nd May 2023 06:08 PM | Last Updated: 02nd May 2023 06:10 PM

CHANDIGARH: Punjab government employees had an early start at work on Tuesday with new office timings coming into force.

For the next two-and-a-half months, the office timings are 7.30 am to 2 pm instead of the usual 9 am to 5 pm.

The new timetable does away with the 30-minute lunch break. Still, employees will work an hour less than before.

The new work hours will remain in force till July 15 and result in an estimated saving of Rs 40-42 crore, according to officials.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who along with his staff arrived at Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh at 7.28 am, went straight to his office before later addressing the media.

He said the new work hours will ensure that maximum sunlight is utilised in government offices.

"Before implementing this decision, we talked to the employees and the people and they agreed (to the decision on the changed timings)," Mann told reporters at a press conference.

He said the move will help save power and added that "power is a big issue".

Government employees, from IAS, IPS officers to superintendents and peons, were seen heading to their respective offices at many places in Punjab before the deadline of 7:30 am.

Cabinet ministers too adhered to the new timeline as they reached their offices before time.

"Good Morning Punjab. Work is Worship. Great initiative by @PunjabGovtIndia to change Office timings from 7:30am to 2pm. Small steps will lead to GREAT Achievements & Unparalleled Heights under dynamic leadership of @BhagwantMann ji. Let's all work together for this Dream," Information and Public Relations Minister Aman Arora tweeted.

Patiala Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney, who reached her office in Patiala well before 7:30 am, said, "As per directions of CM sir @BhagwantMann ji #TeamPatiala is present in all Govt offices at 7:30am, we are committed to serve our citizens with full zeal of work is worship."

Elaborating upon the benefits of the new office timing, the Chief Minister said when the government offices close at 2 pm and electrical appliances on the premises are shut, it will mean lower consumption by about 350 megawatts per day, resulting in savings of about Rs 16-17 crore per month on power bills.

"Thus, a total of Rs 40-42 crore will be saved during the period (till July 15)," he said.