Amid soaring temperatures, Punjab government announces fresh timings for schools, offices

May 23, 2026 English Page 1

PT News New Delhi, May 22

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday announced revised working hours for all government offices, schools and colleges across the state to provide relief from the prevailing heatwave.

Under the new schedule, working hours will change from the existing 9 am-5 pm to 7:30 am-1:30 pm. The decision will come into effect from Monday, May 25, and will remain in force till further orders. Mann said the step has been taken in larger public interest to enable people to get their official work done early in the morning without needing to take leave from their jobs. “The decision has been taken after due consultation with all stakeholders to ensure the welfare of everyone. People will now be able to complete their work in government offices during morning hours,” the Chief Minister said.

He added that the revised timings will also benefit government employees, who will finish their duties before the day temperature rises sharply. “This will give employees more time to spend with their families, especially since school and college timings are also being changed. Children will now return home around the same time as their parents,” Mann noted. The Chief Minister further pointed out that the change will help in power conservation. Citing data from Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), he said the peak power load begins after 1 pm. “The new office timings will reduce electricity consumption and ease pressure on the power infrastructure,” he added. The revised schedule will apply uniformly to all Punjab government offices as well as all schools and colleges in the state. Reiterating the government’s people-centric approach, CM Mann asserted that the Punjab government is committed to taking every possible measure for the convenience and well-being of citizens during the harsh summer season.