Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 30: There will be no change in the timings of the Government offices in entire Jammu Division during the summer.
Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Sanjeev Verma said as per the order of the General Administration Department (GAD), the office timings in all the Government offices will be from 10 am to 4.30 pm from May 1, 2019 onwards. He said the offices observing six days a week in Jammu division will have timing from 10 am to 4.30 pm during summers as well.
Verma, however, said that Directorate of School Education has changed the school timings in the Division for the summers. The timing will be from 8 am to 2 pm till 30-09-2019. However, the office timings in the Directorate of School Education and its Subordinate offices in Jammu Division, will be from 10 am to 4.30 pm.
Referring to GAD order No 1267 of August 13, 2018 and Circular No. 44-GAD, dated 25-10-2018, the Divisional Commissioner said that working hours in offices have also been increased.
The Civil Secretariat and other offices observing five days a week, will have working hours from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm while all other offices in Kashmir and Jammu divisions, observing six days a week, will have the same timings that is 10 am to 4.30 pm during winters and summers. This order is in force from November 1, 2018.
As per this order the Government has already impressed upon all the Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, Heads of Departments and Deputy Commissioners to ensure that these office timings are implemented in letter and spirit, Verma said.
It is pertinent to mention here that due to intense hot weather in Jammu Division during May, June , July and August months, the day temperature even reaches 44 and 45 Degrees Celsius. It becomes very difficult to move out in the blazing sun for the people. On the other hand, the weather in Kashmir remains, almost pleasant even during summers.
Due to unique topography and weather conditions in J&K, this tradition of different office timings in summer and winters, was being observed since decades. But the practice of change in office timings has been shelved under Governor’s Rule in the State.