New office hours: Ignore flimsy complaints of employees
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: April 04, 2022 -

THOUGH it is natural that issues crop up and some would face certain inconveniences in abiding with the new timings for government offices and educational institutions, with passage of time everything will fall in place and all concerned appreciate the new policy of the N Biren government which is aimed at improving efficiency of the employees as well as easing the traffic problem.

As mandated by the government, offices of various different departments opened their doors from 9 am from Friday in sync with the new five-day a week work schedule with substantial number of employees reported to be present at their work place in time.

With exception of complaints that in trying to reach the office by 9 am some were compelled to skip their usual warm lunch at home, carry their meals to the office for having it during lunch break, dash to eateries nearby the offices to fill their stomach, etc.

It is heartening to learn that most of the government departments followed the directive on April 1, the first day of the new work schedule.

The apprehension of facing punitive action for belated office attendance might be the primary factor for many of the knavish employees complying with the new policy but those diligent ones would be delighted with the prospect of working for five days and resting or having quality time with their families during the weekend holidays.

Moreover, successful implementation of the new policy will help do away with the earlier trend of important files moving at snail's pace.

Offices beyond the limits of the twin capital districts might take some time in ensuring the employees uphold the new work schedules.

However, such possible non-compliance with the government's order could be effectively tackled in case the department heads lead from the front and constantly monitor the office activities.

While employees who live far from their workplace might face some problem in reaching the office in time such an issue could be solved to some extent in case of improvement in the public transport system or betterment of the road condition.

As almost all the government offices in the state have the notorious record of employees arriving late, processing files lethargically, taking leave frequently to attend family and religious events and coming up with various excuses such as lunch and tea breaks when enquired about their absence during the working hours, and leaving the office early, the government's directive to be at office for at-least eight hours daily for five days will hopefully help address the questionable conduct and attitude of the employees.

No doubt, the employees will face certain issues in the first few weeks but with time and adjustment at the personal level and strict monitoring by the top officials the new rules will ultimately become the norm as could be comprehended from strict implementation of similar rules by private companies.

Moreover, the government should identify and promptly address genuine logistical and accommodation issues so as to neutralise any chance of employees under the government of Manipur, where the sun rises and sets early, from raising complaints against early commencement of working hours.