Govt employees need to work only five days a week; Accepts proposal in principle

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The service organizations have accepted in principle the proposal to reduce the working days in government offices from six to five. They also approved the increase in working hours. However, the organization representatives clarified that they will not allow the reduction of public holidays and casual leaves. The organizations expressed their views in an online meeting convened by the chief secretary with the organization representatives of government employees. The chief secretary clarified that the government's decision will be informed later.

Presently, the working hours are 42 hours a week. Reducing one day will reduce seven hours a week, 21 hours a month and 36 days a year. Reducing the working days to five will bring financial benefits to the government. Administrative costs can be reduced. More time will be available for other needs. The productivity and efficiency of employees can be increased. The speed of administration can be increased.

State Employees and Teachers Organization (SETO) chairman Chavara Jayakumar responded that reducing the working day from six to five by doing extra work is not government’s generosity. Chairman S Sajeev said the joint council welcomes the increase in weekly working days to five. Secretariat Employees Association President M S Irshad said the loss of two days weekly can be filled by increasing the working hours. He also said that they will not accept reducing the casual leave and holidays of employees in the name of that. NGO Sangh state general secretary S Rajesh also said that he welcomes the reduction in working days.