The Tripura government, led by Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, has implemented new office hours and designated all Saturdays as holidays for state government employees. The revised working hours extend from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, replacing the previous 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM schedule.
Previously, only the second and fourth Saturdays were observed as holidays. The government stated that the additional weekday working hours will compensate for the closure on all Saturdays, ensuring that public services and administrative efficiency remain unaffected.
The change is part of an administrative reform aimed at balancing work-life priorities while maintaining productivity. Officials highlighted that the revised schedule promotes employee welfare, family engagement, personal development, and improved mental health, alongside accountability in government operations.
Dulal Deb, a senior official at the Civil Secretariat, praised the reform, calling it a progressive step to help employees manage professional and personal responsibilities. He commented, “This is not just about Tripura. If employees across all states, including those of the Government of India and the Tripura Government, can perform their duties from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, then state government employees–especially those working at the Secretariat (Maha Karan), where all government policies are implemented, are decisions made, and official work is carried out–can also adapt to this schedule.
For some employees, this is a new change, so it may take a few days to get used to it. Some employees live nearby, while others commute from far away, and those traveling long distances may face some difficulties initially. However, after about 15 days, everyone will likely adjust to the new routine, and most of these problems will be resolved.
Employees in other states can work under similar conditions, so employees in Tripura can also work and should do so. Especially since our state has been developing over the past several years, and the government has been fulfilling many of the demands of employees. If employees expect salaries that are in line with all-India standards, then they must also be prepared to perform their duties accordingly. This is a government decision, and there is no problem with it. Therefore, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Tripura Government.”
Dr Queen Sharma of the Tripura Forest Department also welcomed the revised schedule, noting the positive impact of the extended weekend on employee morale and productivity. He stated, “This is a very positive planning and scheduling initiative because it was very difficult for us to manage our working dates and time earlier. This has created a very positive impact in society. We are also getting additional benefits, including four holidays every month, which is very good. I would like to thank the Tripura Government for this excellent initiative. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support and efforts.”
Observers view the reform as indicative of Tripura’s evolving governance approach, balancing administrative efficiency with employee welfare. The initiative aligns with Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha’s wider efforts to modernize government functioning through practical policies benefiting employees and citizens alike.
The new working model, widely appreciated by government staff, is expected to set a standard for maintaining productivity while enhancing quality of life within the public sector.
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