Tripura Government Announces Saturday-Sunday Weekend for Offices to Reduce Fuel Use

The Tripura government on Monday announced a series of energy-saving and expenditure-control measures, including a major revision in the weekly working schedule of government offices. As part of the new policy, all government offices in the state will now remain closed on both Saturdays and Sundays, marking a shift from the earlier system where only Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays were designated as holidays.

The decision was taken after a Cabinet meeting chaired by the state government. Transport, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said the revised schedule aims to reduce fuel consumption and cut down operational expenses across government departments. The government has framed the move as part of a broader initiative to promote efficiency and energy conservation in administrative functioning.

Under the new arrangement, office timings on working days have also been revised. Government offices will now operate from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., compared to the earlier timing of 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Officials stated that the adjustment is intended to balance working hours while simultaneously supporting energy-saving goals. The changes have been formally notified by the General Administrative Department.

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In another key decision, the state government withdrew the roster system introduced for Group C and Group D employees, which had previously allowed 50 per cent of staff to work from home. With the new order, all employees in these categories will now be required to attend office regularly on all working days, reversing the earlier hybrid arrangement.

Minister Chowdhury said the measures are part of a wider strategy to reduce fuel usage in government operations, including steps such as limiting vehicle movement, encouraging the use of electric and CNG vehicles, and conducting official meetings virtually where possible. He also noted that the decisions align with national-level appeals for fuel conservation, including calls from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainable practices.

The Cabinet also approved recruitment to 81 vacant posts across multiple departments, including the Information and Cultural Affairs Department and the Public Works Department. Officials said the combined measures reflect the government’s focus on administrative efficiency, cost reduction, and improved resource management amid changing economic and energy-related challenges.

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