Chandigarh: Responding to the severe heatwave sweeping across the state, the Punjab government has introduced revised working hours for government offices and educational institutions. Beginning today, offices and schools will function from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM in an effort to protect employees, students, and the public from rising temperatures.
The decision has received a positive response from both officials and government staff, who believe the move is necessary under the prevailing weather conditions.
A government employee welcomed the initiative, saying the administration had taken a sensible step considering the extreme heat. The employee also pointed out that shorter daytime operations could help reduce electricity consumption caused by heavy use of air conditioners during peak afternoon hours.
In Amritsar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rupinder Pal Singh described the revised schedule as a timely and practical measure. He noted that temperatures have risen sharply across Punjab and said the administration fully supports the decision. According to him, employees reported to work on time under the new schedule.
Mohali Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal stated that the revised office hours were implemented following directions from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. She confirmed that district-level offices in Mohali have also adopted the updated timings to ensure smooth functioning while keeping public welfare in mind.
Meanwhile, Ludhiana ADC Poonam Singh said strict compliance with the new schedule is being ensured across departments. She added that staff members had already begun arriving at offices early in the morning and that attendance would continue to be monitored closely.
In Mohali, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sonam Chaudhary said all employees have been instructed to adhere to the revised reporting time so that public services remain uninterrupted. She also mentioned that preparations related to the dispatch and training of polling parties for upcoming municipal corporation and committee elections are continuing alongside the new office routine.
Punjab, like several northern states, has been witnessing soaring temperatures over the past few weeks, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures to minimize heat-related risks for citizens and government employees alike.
