Chandigarh, 22 May (H.S.): Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday announced revised timings for all Punjab Government offices, schools and colleges across the state. Under the new schedule, working hours will be changed from the existing 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM to 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM in larger public interest. The revised timings will come into effect from May 25 and will remain in force until further orders.

Announcing the decision, the Chief Minister said the move was aimed at facilitating the general public so they could conveniently complete their work in government offices during the scorching heat conditions prevailing across Punjab. He stated that the decision was taken after consultations with all stakeholders to ensure public welfare.

Bhagwant Mann said the revised timings would allow people to complete official work early in the morning without taking leave from their jobs. He added that government employees would also benefit significantly, as they would be able to finish their duties before temperatures rise sharply during the day.

The Chief Minister further noted that employees would now get more time to spend with their children, as schools and colleges would also follow the revised timings and students would return home around the same time.

Calling it a people-centric decision, Mann said the move reflects the Punjab Government’s commitment towards improving the daily lives and convenience of citizens.

He also pointed out that the revised schedule would help reduce pressure on the power infrastructure. Referring to data from Punjab State Power Corporation Limited, the Chief Minister said peak electricity demand generally begins after 1 PM, and the new timings would help lower electricity consumption during peak hours.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH