Numerous individuals have frequently observed the absence of government office employees. Delays in employee arrival at work have been noted. The central Personnel and Training department has introduced new regulations to address tardiness. Senior officers and staff in central government offices nationwide are now required to be present at the office by 9:15 am and log attendance biometrically.
Failure to arrive on time will result in a half-day penalty. As reported by the Times of India, central employees must now record their attendance solely through biometric means, bypassing traditional registers. Employees unable to attend work must notify their superiors and request leave. Following a decline in biometric attendance post-COVID, the central government has implemented stringent measures.
The Department of Personnel and Training has instructed senior officials to oversee employee attendance within their departments, promoting greater accountability. While most central government offices operate from 9 am to 5:30 pm, instances of late arrival and early departure have been observed.
The government aims to enforce punctuality even among departments crucial to public service. Senior officials expressed concerns over flexible working hours, remote work obligations, and holiday duties. Since 2014, the Modi government has emphasized adherence to office hours, despite facing opposition from some employees.
