In a move ostensibly aimed at ensuring swift administrative response and improved governance, the Pun- jab government has issued strict instructions mandat- ing that all state employees remain available on their mobile phones at all times, even after office hours, dur- ing weekends and on public holidays.
The directive, issued by the Personnel Department through Special Secretary (Personnel) Prabhjot Singh, emphasises that all officers and employees must keep their phones switched on, stay within network cover- age areas, and be ready to respond promptly to any official call or administra- tive requirement. The or- ders came into effect imme- diately following the official communication sent across various government departments. According to the directive, secretaries, heads of departments, divisional commissioners, and deputy commissioners have been tasked with ensuring compliance with these instructions within their respective departments and jurisdictions. Officials failing to adhere could face administrative action, although specific penalties were not mentioned in the initial order.
The government justified the step by citing instances where urgent administrative work requiring immediate attention was delayed because responsible officers or employees were unreachable. The order highlights that on several occasions, officers’ phones were found switched off, unreachable, or diverted to alternative numbers, leading to disruption in critical operations, particularly during emergencies. “There are situations where quick decisionmaking and immediate administrative action become necessary. However, the non-availability of officers due to their phones being switched off or being out of reach adversely affects the smooth conduct of government work,” the circular stated. Sources within the government stated that the directive is particularly important given the increased need for rapid coordination among various departments, especially in times of natural disasters, law and order issues, or urgent health emergencies. Officials are expected to respond promptly to calls from senior officers, district authorities, or departmental heads, ensuring that vital public services are not hampered at any time.
However, the move has sparked concerns among government employees across different departments, many of whom feel that the directive blurs the line between professional and personal time. Speaking anonymously, several employees pointed out that while they understand the need for responsiveness during emergencies, a blanket expectation of 24×7 availability could lead to additional stress, fatigue, and an erosion of work-life balance. A senior officer from a major department, requesting anonymity, said, “We are committed to serving the people, but constant availability without defined limits could affect our mental health and family lives. There should be clear guidelines about how and when this availability will be exercised.” Several employees’ unions are also reportedly planning to raise concerns formally with the government. They argue that unless there are proper regulations and compensatory mechanisms in place for round-the-clock availability, such expectations could become exploitative. Representatives from the Punjab Civil Secretariat Employees’ Union and other staff associations have indicated that they will soon meet senior officials to demand clarity on the nature of expected availability, types of emergencies that would require immediate action, and provisions for compensatory offs or additional allowances.
