Punjab Govt Employees Will Now Be on Call All the Time, 24x7, 365 Days

All officers and employees must keep phones switched on, stay within network coverage, and be ready to respond to calls; employees concerned plan to take up the matter

- TARUNI GANDHI

In a move ostensibly aimed at ensuring swift administrative response and improved governance, the Punjab government has issued strict instructions mandating that all state employees remain available on their mobile phones at all times, even after office hours, during weekends and on public holidays.

The directive, issued by the Personnel Department through Special Secretary (Personnel) Prabhjot Singh, emphasises that all officers and employees must keep their phones switched on, stay within network coverage areas, and be ready to respond promptly to any official call or administrative requirement. The orders came into effect immediately following the official communication sent across various government departments.

According to the directive, secretaries, heads of departments, divisional commissioners, and deputy commissioners have been tasked with ensuring compliance with these instructions within their respective departments and jurisdictions.