Punjab Revises Government and School Timings Amid Severe Heatwave; Offices and Classes to Operate from Early Morning Hours
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced revised timings for government offices and schools from May 25 due to severe heat conditions. All institutions will operate from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM to protect students and reduce electricity demand during peak hours, marking another seasonal adjustment in state administrative policy.
Chief Minister Mann stated on social media platform X that, considering the prevailing heat conditions, all government offices and schools across the state, covering every class, will operate from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM starting Monday, May 25. The revised schedule will be uniformly applicable to government, aided, and private schools, according to officials from the School Education Department, who confirmed that formal implementation guidelines will be issued shortly.
The administration emphasized that the primary objective of the revised timing structure is twofold: to protect schoolchildren from extreme heat exposure during peak afternoon hours and to reduce electricity consumption during periods of maximum demand.
This is not the first instance of the Punjab government altering institutional schedules in response to seasonal extremes. In April 2023, the state government had advanced office timings to 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM during the summer months, with the Chief Minister then highlighting energy conservation and reduced strain on the power grid as key objectives of the decision.
Similarly, the government has periodically adjusted school timings during winter months in response to dense fog and cold wave conditions. In January of the current year, school schedules were revised following prolonged cold weather conditions across the state.
While certain employees have previously raised concerns regarding logistical challenges associated with early morning office hours, the government has consistently maintained that such seasonal adjustments are essential in view of shifting weather patterns, public safety considerations, and broader administrative efficiency.
The latest directive underscores the state’s continued reliance on adaptive governance strategies to manage climate-induced disruptions, balancing public welfare with infrastructural sustainability during periods of extreme weather conditions.

Comment List