Tripura introduces 5-day weekly work schedule in govt offices

All heads of departments were asked to reduce fuel costs in their respective offices.

The Tripura government on Monday introduced a five-day weekly work schedule in government offices with immediate effect, reversing its earlier decision to allow 50 per cent of Group C and D employees to work from home, a minister said.

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to save fuel consumption, the state government had earlier introduced a revised work schedule under which 50 per cent of Group C and D employees attended offices while the remaining staff worked from home.

''The council of ministers today decided to introduce a five-day weekly work schedule for government employees, irrespective of their ranks, with immediate effect. It means every Saturday and Sunday will be closed, with working hours from 9.30 am to 6 pm,'' Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury told reporters.

Earlier, the second and fourth Saturdays of every month were government holidays, while office hours were from 10 am to 5 pm.

''The government, after reviewing the entire issue, has decided to withdraw the revised work schedule mandating that 50 per cent of Group C and D government employees work from home,'' he said.

Chowdhury said the cabinet also decided to implement austerity measures in view of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

''The cabinet was of the view that 75 per cent of official meetings should be held in hybrid mode to save fuel. All heads of departments were asked to reduce fuel costs in their respective offices. Besides, the government will encourage hiring EVs in its offices,'' he said.

On the availability of essential commodities, the minister said there was no shortage of fuel or food items in the state as the Food and Civil Supplies Department was closely monitoring the situation.