Ludhiana, June 30: As the Punjab government’s order of introducing early and reduced timings in its offices came into effect on Monday, several employees reported late to work on the first day of the changed schedule.
Many of the employees were seemingly happy and hailed the decision aimed at saving power, saying they would now be spending less time in the office and also the reduced working hours would be able to save energy for the government. Some, however, said it was difficult to start work so early in the day which generally follows a night interspersed with power cuts.
Some visitors to the government office said the early opening and closing time of the offices would not go down well with those who come from far-flung areas of the district.
Meanwhile, the implementation of the order met with a lackadaisical approach from some employees as they reported at their offices with delayed arrivals today. “There were some who walked in about half an hour to one hour late today.
Being the first day, there was some kind of relaxation but all employees are expected to be on time from tomorrow,” said a senior health officer at the office of Civil Surgeon.
“It may lead to pending work in the offices because in the working six hours also, the power is there for only about half the duration,” said a government employee, a chunk of whose work depends upon the use of a computer.
A senior employee at the District Administration office said: “There were several employees who reported late for work and left as per the changed schedule. But anyhow, it is a good decision for the employees as they can leave for home early as it gets difficult to sit in offices with no electricity.”
–Agencies