Punjab News: The Punjab government stated on July 14 that, starting on July 17, its offices will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The announcement claimed that Chief Secretary Anurag Verma had issued official orders in this regard in accordance with instructions from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. As of July 17, 2023, all government offices in the state of Punjab and Chandigarh will operate from 9 am to 5 pm, according to an official statement from the Punjab Information and Public Relations Department. Bhagwant Mann, the chief minister of Punjab, had earlier in April announced revised office hours for the summer for all state government departments. All state government offices would be open from 7.30 am to 2 pm under the new schedule. During the summer season, from May 2 to July 15, the revised hours would be in place.
Promoting Energy Savings and Public Comfort in Punjab
The increased office hours, according to Mann, will help the State save electricity while providing some relief from the summer heat for people visiting government buildings. Mann said, “Our government runs by the new ideas, new thought processes and new blood. Keeping that in mind we have decided to change the government working hours from 7:30 am till 2 pm. This will be implemented from May 2 till July 15”. “Public is happy. We see in summer, there is a heatwave in the afternoon and the public suffers a lot outside. So this new timing will give them relief. Now people will not have to skip their jobs to visit government offices for their work. Our government officials will also get free in the afternoon and can spend time with their families,” he said.
Punjab’s Unique Decision to Extend Office Hours
“Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will be a major beneficiary of this decision. In the months of May and June electricity consumption increases and after 2 pm PSPCL faces peak hours. When offices are closed it will save electricity in Punjab. We have come to this decision after consulting with our stakeholders. This decision will not be implemented in the government and private schools in the state,” he added. He added that this is a unique decision and expressed the hope that other State governments will follow suit. “We have seen some foreign countries implementing this. There is a concept of making better use of daylight. We are the first state in our country to do so. I hope others will also follow this. The better usage of daylight should be promoted in the country,” he said.
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