Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): With temperatures continuing to soar across Punjab, the state government has introduced new working hours for government institutions to reduce public exposure to extreme heat conditions. Effective immediately, all government offices and schools will now operate from 7:30 in the morning until 1:30 in the afternoon.
The move comes as several districts in Punjab experience unusually high temperatures and heatwave conditions, raising concerns over public health and workplace safety.
Government employees and district officials have largely welcomed the decision, calling it both practical and necessary during the ongoing summer spell.
One government staff member praised the revised schedule, saying the change would provide relief to employees who travel and work during the hottest part of the day. The employee also noted that reduced daytime office hours may help lower electricity consumption caused by continuous use of cooling systems.
In Amritsar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rupinder Pal Singh said the administration considers the revised timings an important step to deal with the current weather situation. He stated that officials and staff members have adjusted smoothly to the new routine and attendance has remained punctual.
Mohali Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal said the change was implemented following directions issued by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. According to her, all district offices in Mohali have shifted to the new schedule while ensuring that public services continue without disruption.
Ludhiana Additional Deputy Commissioner Poonam Singh said authorities are closely monitoring compliance with the revised office hours. She added that employees have already started reporting early in the morning and departments have been instructed to strictly follow the government orders.
Another senior official from Mohali, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sonam Chaudhary, stated that employees across departments have been directed to maintain punctuality so citizens do not face inconvenience in availing services. She further informed that arrangements related to training and movement of polling teams for municipal elections are also continuing alongside the revised schedule.
The Punjab government’s decision is being seen as a precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding employees, students, and the general public as heatwave conditions persist across the region.
