Punjab Revises Work Hours to Beat Record Temperatures

In response to an unrelenting heatwave, Punjab has rolled out new office and school timings effective immediately. All government establishments and educational institutions will now function from 7:30 in the morning until 1:30 in the afternoon, a two-hour reduction aimed at shielding workers and children from dangerous afternoon temperatures. Local reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Employees interviewed outside a Chandigarh secretariat building praised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for reviving a similar policy used last year, saying the move acknowledges ground realities. Parents of school-going children also expressed relief, noting that younger students will no longer have to commute during the hottest part of the day. Mohali’s Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal clarified that the order covers all tehsil offices and Sewa Kendras. She said the government’s priority remains citizen welfare and energy savings. In Amritsar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rupinder Pal Singh urged staff to reach offices on time so pending tasks can be finished before temperatures peak. The administration has directed departments to maintain adequate water supply and first-aid kits. With the early close, officials expect a noticeable drop in air-conditioner usage, easing pressure on Punjab’s already stretched electricity infrastructure.