Prime Minister sets clock for Babus

New Delhi: After Union ministers claimed they worked 16 hours a day, the bureaucracy has come onto the radar of PM Narendra Modi.

Circulars have been issued telling bureaucrats to observe a strict 9-am-to-5.30-pm job schedule with a 30-minute lunch break. The move follows the realisation that the “policy paralysis” of the UPA government had much to do with the bureaucracy becoming dormant.

“All officials and staff of the ministry have to report to office by 9 am and stay till 5.30 pm, with a lunch break between 1 pm and 1.30 pm. Officials of the ranks of deputy directors and directors must conduct surprise checks to ensure that the punctuality and attendance are maintained strictly,?” P.C. Gajbiye, secretary, Rail Board, stated in a circular.