TODAY -

Time zone, time standard and daylight saving time for North East

Kamal Baruah *

Sunset at Loktak Lake - Landscape of Manipur - 2015 : Wallpaper  #2
Sunset at Loktak Lake :: Landscape of Manipur - 2015 : Wallpaper #2



Every place in the world has a Natural local time. It is calculated by multiplying the longitude by 4 minutes. However, time zones are decided by DST standards, international and national conventions. In India, both the westernmost Gujarat (68°E) and the easternmost Arunachal Pradesh (97 ° E) observe the same standard time zone.

India accepts longitude (82.5 ° E) as their Indian Standard Time UTC+5:30 (Coordinated universal Time) which is the world time standard since 1972. It is successor to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

GMT is a time zone and UTC is a time standard. In the ideal world scenario, the time difference between Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh would have been around 2 hours. She followed one time zone since independence, although Kolkata and Mumbai retained their own local time until 1948 and 1955 respectively.

Now IST is used in aviation industry, meteorologists and to synchronize time across internet networks. Therefore everything is easy to compute. There can be lifestyle change if the difference between natural time zone and standard time zone largely differs.

The North East India region is closer to Dhaka, which is 30 minutes ahead of New Delhi. It shares borders with China, Myanmar and Bhutan as well as Bangladesh. Like north east, western states are also falling trap with single time zone.

India would have saved 2.7 billion units of electricity every year by shifting the IST meridian eastward from 82.5 ° E longitude in Uttar Pradesh to 90 ° E near the Assam-Bengal border.

Gujarat pushed back office and school timings by an hour. Even nationalised bank do follow state govt guidelines. Surprisingly Rajasthan went ahead with half an hour. In south India, people go to temple in the evening. So Mumbai, the city never sleeps.

Even British knew it for Tea plantation in Assam, where 'bagan time' (tea garden time) started at 6:00 am one hour ahead of IST to make the most of the daylight. The plantation labour act 1951 allows setting local time for a particular area.

The delay over availability and usability of daylight and dark hours had resulted in massive losses for NE region. Definitely there is a loss of energy and workable hours. A person is fresher in the morning, but by the time at 10 o'clock he has lost that energy.

This is one major reason why people living in the west of time meridian are more productive, progressive and prosperous than the people living in its east. It has a long lasting effect to our work culture. Despite Eastern India is blessed with an abundance of mineral wealth, their productivity is low, infrastructure poor and employment opportunities meagre.

Overall, the perception is that people of eastern India are lazy and unproductive. And we are forced to observe UTC 5:30 that is very indifferent for us. Being placed in extreme east, our daylight differs with national time zone. Even daylight saving time (DST) was used by military during China-Indian war of 1962 and Indo-Pak wards of 1955 and 1971.

Two time zones will benefit eastern as well as western states of India. Slowly NE aware and realise that they have literally been kept in the dark, and now they feel alienated.

In ancient times, the irregular daily movement of the sun made puzzle to make equation of time. The improvements to the solar tables and the value of obliquity were done during medieval and renaissance period. The 17th century pendulum brought significance change for reliable clock.

In 1980, a team of researchers proposed three time zones of British-era but recommendations were not adopted. In 2006, the Planning Commission said having two time zones would lead to substantial energy savings in a country that frequently suffers power outages, but the central government rejected the plan.

Scientists from the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Bengaluru studied the problem and concluded that separate time zones would cause chaos and might not lead substantial energy savings. On the other hand, it has several disadvantages. Instead they advocated a 30-minute advancement of IST.

Our lifeline train systems are not automated. Collisions of US train in 1853 led to the setting up of the general time convention i.e. Railway Time. A ship would use nautical standard time upon leaving its territorial waters. However, it is unlikely that India will go ahead with different time zone.

Today all nations use standard time zone and some follow half-hour, quarter-hour deviations from standard time. Also many countries adopt DST by advancing clocks by an hour start of spring and adjusting back in autumn. NE must reset the clock in the State an hour or two ahead of IST to save energy and increase productivity.

Even five day week will bring not only improving productivity but also saving electricity consumption. Our tourism industry will surely get boost up. International event like games are often suffered for unknown knowledge of outsiders to our region.

Neighbouring Bangladeshi offers quality manpower at competitive prices. Is that because of UTC 06:00? Many other central govt departments in like Railway, Defence have their own working hours as per region.

The United States observes four different DST. Australia has three and Russia has nine. But being big country China has only one time zone 'Beijing time' to enhance national unity. the United Kingdom is not on GMT all year, it uses British Summer Time (BST), which is one hour ahead of GMT, during the summer months.

In Arab, people stay inside during day hours to avoid extreme heat. Even schools open in evening there. Our neighbouring Bangladesh follows 5 day week to save power. Hope India will give a serious thought to examine the merits of resetting IST to save precious DST for North East as well as the Western region.


* Kamal Baruah wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was posted on April 27, 2017.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Condemnation of Armed Football Match
  • Guwahati Asian Film Fest : Day 1
  • Of guns and football
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Epom Amadei Ithak - A theatrical revisit
  • Economy of the dynamic global landscape
  • Is the Bhagavad Gita relevant today ?
  • Healthy hair in Winter
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2025
  • From the battlefields to Delhi
  • Speculations on replacement of Chief Minister
  • 12th Legislative Assembly #2 : Gallery
  • Education & its disjuncture in Manipur
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Fest 2025 : Theme
  • Coo :: Poem
  • Agartala Coach : India U-19 Women Cricket
  • The story of the village of hope
  • Career choice in wetlands
  • CM in Delhi to meet Shah
  • After failed plastic ban bid, on brickfields
  • New catfish species discovered in Chakpi
  • Love, Unsure :: Poem
  • Manipur's border battles: Deeper conflict
  • A world without leprosy
  • Origin of corruption & possible remedies
  • The question of life
  • 'Sereki' unveils Majuli-themed campaign
  • Posers over summons to Delhi
  • Addiction-free campaign
  • Mera Chaorel Houba @Kangla #5 : Gallery
  • Lamtanganba, Adum , Mahaiso : eMing
  • Manipur : Champions Jr Natl Sepaktakraw
  • Effective Unified Command approach
  • Saurashtrian Tamils
  • Accepting the change :: Poem
  • From Kumbh to heaven direct
  • Edge of the seat suspense
  • Wetlands revival efforts reaping fruit
  • Natambakta : Play by JNMDA #4 : Gallery
  • EIIFF 2025 unveils Festival Memento
  • Climate change & plant diseases
  • Shija Hospital- AHPI Healthcare Award
  • Budget 2025: A big gift for middle-class
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #2
  • Cakeology 2025: India's largest cake expo
  • Need to stick to a consistent narrative
  • Leniency on tobacco ban aiding demographic
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #2 : Gallery
  • Pheiroijam Christina - 21st Miss North East
  • Manipur: Gold at 28th Jr National Sepaktakraw
  • Clarion call for redeeming our rightful future
  • The Power of Poppy - 67 :: Poem
  • Clean energy for sustainability
  • Union Budget: Industrialists from NE speaks
  • Balaram Sougaijamba: General of Manipur
  • Nikhil Okram crowned 14th Mister North East
  • Chadong village: Rising from waters with hope
  • Financial literacy for common man
  • Obituary: (L) Pu Thangkholen Sitlhou
  • Nail care in Winters
  • State of war since 2023: No winner, only losers
  • Talks on new district row
  • Radio E-pao: 1000+ songs from Manipur
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Kwak Tanba : Gallery
  • February Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • Ballad of Letting Go :: Poem
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Fest
  • Deeper exploration of term 'Hill-Valley Divide'
  • Children's Book to adopt 'Look East Policy'
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Endless suffering of internally displaced child
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #2 : Gallery
  • Thiyam Suryamukhi conferred Padma Shri
  • Isolate Kuki Militants by facilitating safe return
  • Sports Meet held at Rongdai Village
  • Eco-Apocalypse: Prevent collapse with Green
  • Grand Finale : 21st Mega Miss North East
  • Time to give more teeth to ST demand
  • 5 years of ILP; what about NRC demand ?
  • Remembering Md Ladu, celebrated polo player
  • The Lament of Love's Deceit :: Poem
  • Need for inculcating value based education
  • Royte - Times Young Entrepreneur Award
  • Glass Child Syndrome ! 'Sibling rivalry'
  • 6 Films for NE Section at GAFF 2025
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Impartial anti-extortion cell need of the hour
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #1 : Gallery
  • Conservation Strategies of Pethia manipurensis
  • Remembers 13 Brave Indian Soldiers
  • Workshop: Intl Year of Quantum Science
  • Governor's role and discretionary powers
  • Physics workshop for educators at Agartala
  • Who wins Delhi - Daru or Dharma
  • War on Drugs: A war Manipur cannot loses
  • NE turning into transnational drug hub
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #2
  • Manipur's dystopian reality
  • The day Light reached the hills
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal Intl Film Fest 2025
  • Why is depreciation of rupee not stopping ?
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #5
  • Thoithoiba Yelhou Yangkok Artist #2 : Gallery
  • Republic Day Titbits
  • NIT Manipur: Best Design Award @VLSI Design
  • The Power of Poppy - 66 :: Poem
  • Grand Finale: 14th Mega Mister North East
  • Application : FILMART, Hong Kong
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #1
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Demographic for balkanisation of Manipur
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation at Nambol
  • Jugeshwor Kshetrimayum receives GELA 2025
  • Construction Committee of Meetei Yumpham
  • Call against misuse of social media
  • Positive & negative aspects of social media
  • In Search of Peace in Manipur
  • Embracing the Shadows :: Poem
  • Dr Manmohan Singh will live on
  • Rise in the price of medicines
  • Respecting the dead- Denying is a disgrace
  • Winter skin care tips for oily skin
  • Illegal immigrants :: Of FMR & border fencing
  • JD-U row exposes national parties' apathy
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #2 : Gallery
  • On 'Only BJP can save Manipur'
  • Frontline health workers dispelling darkness
  • 14th East Himalayan Trade Fair
  • Life is plastic
  • Killers on the road : 834 lives lost
  • Call to action to save State's wetlands
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #1
  • The Taste of Dreams wins @Red Intl Film Fest
  • Science: 3rd eye for Meitei-Kuki reconciliation
  • Northeast flies high in direct selling
  • Mastering focus amidst distractions
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #4
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • BJP : Tepid response from the hills
  • BABINA Hospital sets example in healthcare
  • Nitya Ras @Nongmeibung #1 : Gallery
  • Agonizing reality of our country's veteran elites
  • Historicising the colonial narratives
  • NSS Team Departs for National Integration
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Festival 2025
  • Time to recreate Naga Peoples Convention 2.0
  • Career in nutrition
  • Need to give more meaning to War on Drugs
  • Time for real action not empty rhetoric
  • Foundation: Manipur Press Club #2 : Gallery
  • "Aronba Wari" :: Shumang Leela Synopsis
  • Tripura's livelihoods challenges
  • Archaeological Exhibition @ Kangla : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai @Chaopok village #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur needs to affirm her tribal roots
  • Madras/Chennai- 1989 till 2024 : Gallery
  • Investigate "arms recoveries" in Mizoram
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation
  • NE Direct Selling Conference & Expo
  • Response of Delhi in last 20 months
  • Regulated entry after FMR scrap, border
  • Mutua Bahadur : Preserving Manipuri culture
  • Competitive Altruism: Resolving ethnic conflict
  • Pithe Puli Utsav at Agartala
  • Building the best version of yourself
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025
  • Tips to keep your lips soft & smooth in winter
  • Subsidised flight tickets for all
  • MCPCR alert on child trafficking fear
  • Imoinu Erat Thouni @ Wangkhei : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai celebrating Culture in Delhi NCR
  • The Weeping Gods of Manipur :: Poem
  • Disarming Kuki-Zo armed groups under SoO
  • Why nurses deserve more recognition, pay
  • The hidden truths of our social media lives
  • MMTU stand bang on target: Recapping May 3
  • Enhancing aerial options to ease travel woes
  • 2nd Emoinu Fish Festival #1 : Gallery
  • Sustainable development - climate action #1
  • RIST Talk- 62 : Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • "Technically a BJP MLA will rule Nagaland"
  • Makar Sankranti : vibrant customs & traditions
  • Why gold is a strong hedge but ...
  • Delhi date on January 17
  • Onus of addressing tribal issues on new Guv?
  • Nupilal Ningshing Lamjel #2 : Gallery
  • Licypriya Kangujam: Nat'l Youth Day Award
  • Barak Festival advocates Peace, Progress
  • 'Yu', not fully liberalised
  • Article 355 equals Governor's Rule ?
  • Calls to vote with conscience
  • Zingtun academy leading by example
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #1 : Gallery
  • Is Kuki-Zo community pushing Nagas to edge?
  • Will drive to find-treat-prevent TB continue ?
  • Smart Cities, dustier roads ?
  • ST of NE & Dalits of mainland India
  • That May :: Poem
  • Understanding Red, Yellow, Green
  • Cong posers on Govt aid to SoO group
  • Culturals @Tri-Nation Football #1 : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai festival of Kabui/Rongmei
  • 40 Years & 04 Stations- Part IV (Madras)
  • Manipur Gold: 34th Sr Natl Sepaktakraw C'ship
  • Public Health Risk Management Training
  • The Power of Poppy - 64 :: Poem
  • The Science of Success #4
  • Hingminashi Eikhoi : Call for unity in diversity
  • A Hymn for Goddess Emoinu
  • Are the foods we eat, correct ?
  • Gangtok, Sikkim (1983 till 1988) : Gallery
  • The Taste of Dreams : Teaser Unveiled
  • Be a child of courage & conquer obstacle
  • Hans Renal Care Centre in Guwahati
  • Focus on pre-May 3, 2023 period
  • Conundrum over the genesis of crisis
  • Misna Chanu aids to Jiribam IDPs : Gallery
  • North-East Students invited to JEE Main 2025
  • Empower the State else avoid blame on CM
  • Obituary : Thaunawjam Brajamohon
  • Hope :: Poem
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #3
  • Winter makeup tips for dry skin
  • Imphal, Delhi still groping in the dark
  • Tension over assault case, land claims
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #2: Gallery
  • Foundation: Manipur Press Club #1 : Gallery
  • Ningol Chakkouba @ Delhi #3 : Gallery
  • Indigenous Pottery Making @Imphal : Gallery
  • AIR Radio Imphal Station - Live streaming
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #2 : Gallery
  • The historical account of Kabaw Valley #3
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #6: Gallery
  • E-Pao.net : 25th Anniv & 2025 Wishes
  • Protest @Delhi - Murder of Meiteis #2: Gallery
  • "Connections", art exhibitt @ DC : Gallery
  • Observance of Thang-Ta Day #1 : Gallery
  • Mera Chaorel Houba #4 : Gallery
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #1 : Gallery
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #5
  • Indigenous People Cultural Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Mera Houchongba: Gallery
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #1: Gallery
  • Ta Ta TabuHtoN :: Seireng
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet