Sikkim Government Implements New Work Schedule, Declares Saturdays as Official Holidays

Gangtok, Sikkim: In a bid to improve work-life balance and enhance operational efficiency, the Government of Sikkim has instituted new measures affecting work schedules for its employees. Effective immediately, the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month will be observed as official holidays, as per a directive issued by the Department of Personnel.

The circular, authorized by the Secretary to the Government of Sikkim, outlines that government offices will adhere to a standardized working hours schedule from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM on regular weekdays. This decision comes amidst concerns raised over irregular attendance patterns and early departures among staff, which have reportedly disrupted administrative functions and caused inconvenience to the public.

“In recent times, there has been a noticeable trend where several government employees arrive late for duty and depart early,” the circular highlighted. “Such practices hinder the effective implementation of the government’s developmental policies and programs.”

To enforce punctuality and streamline operational efficiency, department heads are instructed to conduct surprise attendance checks and periodic inspections. Employees found arriving after 10:30 AM or leaving before 4:30 PM without valid reasons will be penalized with half-day casual leave deductions. Those absent without proper leave documentation will face full-day casual leave deductions.

Furthermore, the circular emphasizes the formal submission of leave applications through traditional paper formats, discouraging the use of informal methods such as SMS or WhatsApp.

The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a disciplined workforce while supporting the well-being of its employees. By introducing structured time off, the government aims to promote a healthier work-life balance and ensure more efficient service delivery to the public.