New timings: Punjab govt offices to work 7.30am to 2pm from May 2

CHANDIGARH: In a move meant to "curtail power usage during peak demand", Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced that government offices in the state will function from 7.30 am to 2 pm from May 2 till July 15.
Mann said in a video message that this will not only give the office visitors some respite from the summer heat but also help Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) reduce its peak load by 300-350 megwatts. "The PSPCL has told us that its peak load is from 1.30 pm to 5 pm and the move will help bring it down," said Mann.
The chief minister added that the decision has been taken after taking feedback from those visiting government offices as well as the employees. "People are happy that they will be able to get their work done in government offices before the afternoon heat. The employees will also be free early and will be able to spend time with their family. We have taken the decision after holding discussions. It will be a May Day holiday on May 1; therefore, the new timings will come into effect from May 2," he said. Mann claimed this is the first time in India that the timings of government offices were being changed to save electricity. "This system is followed in foreign countries like Canada and the US where adequate use of sunlight is made by changing the working hours," he said.
Till now, the government offices functioned from 9 am to 5 pm. "Most officers too used to be tied up in their offices, but now they will have free time. I too will reach my office at 7.30 in the morning. I am hopeful that people will benefit from the decision," said Mann.