Punjab Govt orders employees to be available on phones 24/7, even on holidays

The Punjab government on Monday issued directions to all state government employees to remain available on their mobile phones at all times.

The instructions, issued by the state Personnel Department, have asked officers of the rank of Secretary and above to ensure that no employee under their command switch off their phones after office hours.

They have been instructed to remain available on their phones, even on public holidays, “…for official and administrative reasons.”

“There are times when administrative work needs to be done immediately, thus necessitating the need for officers’ availability. It is observed that their phones are either switched off, remain out of coverage area, or diverted to other numbers. This impacts the administrative work….” reads the order issued by the Special Secretary, Personnel.

The employees have been instructed to follow these orders with immediate effect.