PositiveNewsCorner

The new timing in Punjab government offices came into effect on Tuesday, 2nd May, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann saying the move will not just save power but result in many other benefits. The new timing will remain in force till July 15 and result in an estimated saving of Rs 40-42 crore during the two-and-a-half month period, said Mann.

Mann, at a press conference said “Before implementing this decision, we talked to the employees and the people and they agreed (to the decision on the changed timing),” Mann told reporters at a press conference here.

When the government offices close at 2 pm and electrical appliances on the premises are shut, it will mean lower consumption by about 350 megawatts per day, resulting in savings of about Rs 16-17 crore per month on power bills. Thus, a total Rs 40-42 crore will be saved during the period (till July 15), he said.

In the coming days and weeks, according to the Met office forecast, hot weather is likely to prevail in the region, Mann said. When offices open at 7.30 am, people can also get their work done early in the morning. They can then attend to their daily routine and other work, he added.

Referring to the change, Mann said these were also set according to school timing so that parents or children don’t face any hassle.

Mann said of the changed office timing that the employees will come in a fresh mood and this will also improve their work efficiency.

“We made the announcement regarding the change in office timing over three weeks ago so that employees can mentally prepare themselves for the new schedule,” said Mann.

Mann said three to four states have also asked him to share the results and benefits the change might bring so that they can also contemplate implementing such an experiment. The Punjab chief also hoped that it will also help big cities such as Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru, where traffic is a problem, He believes implementing such moves can ease the situation.