Chandigarh, 25 May (H.S.): In view of the severe heatwave and rising temperatures across Punjab, the

Punjab Government has revised the working hours of government offices and

schools. Under the new orders, all government offices will now function from

7:30 AM to 1:30 PM. On the very first day of implementation, officials in

several districts reached their offices early and directed staff to ensure

uninterrupted public services.

In Amritsar,

Deputy Commissioner Dalwinder Singh said that the revised office timings have

been introduced by the state government to provide relief from the intense

heat. He added that all officers and employees have been instructed to remain

present at their seats on time so that citizens do not face inconvenience in

getting their work done.

In Mohali,

Additional Deputy Commissioner Sonam Chaudhary stated that all government

offices are now operating from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM as per the latest directions.

She said employees have been asked to report on time to ensure smooth delivery

of public services. Along with this, training and dispatch work related to the

Municipal Corporation and Committee elections has also begun in the district.

Meanwhile, in

Hoshiarpur, Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain, Additional Deputy Commissioner

Nidhi Kumud Bamba and other officials reached their offices at 7:30 AM sharp.

DC Ashika Jain instructed all officers and staff members to maintain

punctuality in the coming days as well and ensure that administrative services

are delivered to the public without delay.

The revised

timings have also been implemented in Chandigarh, where government employees

welcomed the move. A government employee appreciated the decision, saying that

considering the increasing heat, the new office schedule is a practical step

that will not only provide relief to employees and the public but also help

reduce electricity consumption.

People across

the state have given mixed but largely positive reactions to the Punjab

Government’s decision. Residents said that opening offices early in the morning

is helping them complete official work on time while avoiding the harsh

afternoon heat. Many noted that temperatures have risen significantly over the

past few days, making it difficult to step outside during peak afternoon hours.

Government

employees also supported the decision, saying that working during the cooler

morning hours reduces the impact of heat and may lower electricity usage.

Traders and visitors to government offices said that if officials continue to

remain available on time, public work can be completed faster and more efficiently.

However, some

people pointed out that residents from rural and remote areas may face slight

difficulties in reaching offices early in the morning. Despite this concern,

most citizens described the government’s decision as a timely and

people-friendly step amid the ongoing heatwave conditions.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH