To save power, Punjab government announces new office timings for summer

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 8

In a historic decision, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced to change the timings of government offices from existing 9 am - 5 pm to 7:30 am - 2 pm in larger public interest.

2 ਮਈ ਤੋਂ ਸਾਰੇ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ ਦਫ਼ਤਰਾਂ ਦਾ ਸਮਾਂ ਬਦਲ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ…ਸਵੇਰੇ 7:30 ਵਜੇ ਤੋਂ ਦੁਪਹਿਰ 2 ਵਜੇ ਤੱਕ ਸਾਰੇ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ ਦਫ਼ਤਰ ਖੁੱਲ੍ਹਣਗੇ…ਫ਼ੈਸਲੇ ਨਾਲ ਲੋਕ ਸਵੇਰੇ ਜਲਦੀ ਆਪਣੇ ਕੰਮ-ਕਾਰ ਕਰਵਾ ਲਿਆ ਕਰਨਗੇ…ਗਰਮੀ ‘ਚ ਖੱਜਲ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋਣਗੇ… pic.twitter.com/rPSxBbbFZP

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) April 8, 2023

Announcing the decision, the Chief Minister said the revised timings will come into effect from May 2 and will remain in force till July 15. He said the decision has been taken to benefit common people for easily getting their work done in government offices during the scorching heat in summer season. Bhagwant Mann said the decision has been taken after due consultation with all the stakeholders so that the welfare of all can be ensured.

Dwelling more details, the Chief Minister said it will enable a common man to do his work early morning without taking leave from his work. Likewise, he said this will also facilitate the employees as they will be able to attend the social functions after the office hours. Similarly, Bhagwant Mann said the employees will also be able to spend more time with their children who will also come home at the same time.

The Chief Minister said this decision will be applicable to all the offices of Punjab government. He envisioned that this will also help in saving around 300-350 MW power also as a considerable chunk of power was being consumed in government offices. Bhagwant Mann said as per the data of PSPCL the peak load of board starts after 1 pm in the day.

The Chief Minister said the new time table will also ensure that maximum sun light is utilised by the masses. He cited that in several foreign countries people adjust their watches as per seasons so that they can use maximum sunlight. Bhagwant Mann assured the people that the state government will take more such citizen centric decisions in the coming days too.