Kalyani Roy, the chief whip of the BJP in the Tripura Legislative Assembly, on May 22 urged the state government to consider introducing a four-day weekly work schedule for government employees by extending daily office hours.
Roy made the suggestion while referring to ongoing fuel conservation measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to save fuel amid the prevailing conflict in West Asia.
Addressing a press conference, Roy said that under the state government’s austerity measures, 50 per cent of Group C and Group D employees have been attending offices physically, while the remaining employees have been working from home since May 14.
“Following the Prime Minister’s appeal amidst the West Asia conflict, the state government has directed 50 per cent of Group C and D employees to work from home while the remaining workforce attends offices,” she said.
Roy stressed the importance of public participation in fuel conservation efforts, stating that uncertainty surrounding the geopolitical situation makes such measures necessary.
She said Manik Saha, cabinet ministers and MLAs have already reduced the use of escort vehicles and official transport as part of the government’s austerity initiatives.
The BJP leader also appealed to citizens to adopt fuel-saving habits by using public transport, e-rickshaws and bicycles for short-distance travel.
Highlighting the state’s digital administrative infrastructure, Roy said Tripura has already implemented an e-office system from the civil secretariat level down to gram panchayats. However, she noted that the support of Group C and D employees remains essential for smooth administrative functioning.
“Therefore, I appealed to the government to introduce a four-day work week for employees by increasing office hours from the existing eight hours to around nine hours,” Roy said.
The proposal comes as the state government continues implementing measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and administrative expenditure.
