The Punjab government has mandated that all state employees must keep their mobile phones on even after work hours and during holidays for official and administrative purposes.
The order noted that some officers are unreachable after office hours due to their phones being switched off, out of coverage, on flight mode, or forwarded to other numbers.
Punjab Government Mandates That All State Employees Must Keep Their Mobile Phones
An official order was issued by the Special Secretary (Personnel), stating, “There are administrative works that need to be done immediately, thus necessitating the need for the availability of officers. It is observed that some officers are not available on phones after office hours; either the phones are switched off, remain out of coverage area, flight mode or diverted to other numbers. It becomes a hindrance in completing essential administrative work and providing services and facilities to the general public.”
The lack of phone availability was described as a barrier to completing essential administrative tasks and delivering services to the public.
Senior officers have been instructed to ensure that their office staff are reachable by phone even on holidays and after working hours to ensure timely completion of work.
The order was addressed to special chief secretaries, additional chief secretaries, financial commissioners, and secretaries.
Directive Similar to One Issued in 2017
This directive mirrors a similar one from 2017, issued by the then Congress government, which warned employees that being unreachable after work could lead to consequences.
In 2017, employees had been instructed to answer every call and were specifically told not to switch off their mobile phones after work hours.
AAP MLA Amritpal Singh Sukhanand from Bhagha Purana endorsed the new directive, calling it a “pro-people” move and a sign of the government’s commitment to accessible governance.
Sukhanand highlighted that since officials receive telephone allowances, they are obliged to remain available to serve the public.
He stated, “The decision is applicable on all officials and the majority of them are happy with it. Some have already been working overtime. It is a move in the interest of the general public and AAP govt would continue to take such steps to provide efficient governance.”
