Govt reiterates strict office timings for its employees

Patna: The state govt has issued a fresh reminder to its employees to strictly follow office timings and discharge their duties responsibly.In a letter sent by chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit to heads of all departments, the director general of police, divisional commissioners and district magistrates, the govt expressed concern over reports some employees were neither adhering to prescribed office hours nor properly performing their official responsibilities despite being present in office.The letter said clear instructions had already been issued by the general administration department regarding office arrival and departure timings, as well as lunch hours, but violations were still being noticed. It described the matter as a cause of concern for the govt.Officials have been directed to ensure employees report to office on time, carry out govt work with dedication and leave only after office hours end.

Senior officers have also been asked to ensure their subordinates comply with the same rules.The communication recalled the general administration department had introduced a five-day work week following a decision taken in Jan 2006. Under that arrangement, office hours were fixed from 9.30 am to 6 pm. A subsequent order issued in Jan 2007 fixed office hours for female employees of the secretariat and attached offices from 9.30am to 5pm.

For regional offices, including those of the advocate general of Bihar, divisional commissioners and chief engineers, a six-day work week remains in force, with office hours fixed from 10am to 5pm. The latest reminder asked officials in these establishments to strictly observe the prescribed timings.The letter also referred to the biometric attendance system introduced by the general administration department and the home department in 2022.

It warned employees found coming late or remaining absent from duty would face deduction of leave. In cases where no leave balance is available, salary would be deducted.At the same time, the govt has allowed some flexibility in exceptional situations. The letter said in special circumstances, the head of the department may grant relief to an employee.The reminder signals the govt’s intent to tighten discipline in offices and ensure punctuality and accountability across departments.