Work 9 to 5 without fail, win award

New Delhi: In recognition to those adhering to office timings, the Union health ministry has started to award all those working eight hours a day and completing 40 hours of duty in a week of five days. The “employee of the month” award is given to those who are consistent in reaching office before 9 am and leave after 5:30 pm.

People crave recognition. Therefore it was decided to appreciate all those adhering to office timings. The employee of the month gets a letter of appreciation from the Union health secretary. Ever since we started this, things have started to improve. People are reaching on time and consistently doing it,” said a senior official in the health ministry.

The Union health ministry had earlier warned its employees of disciplinary action if they do not adhere to office timings serving a minimum of 40 hours in a week. The employees were told to adhere to office timing and mark their arrival and departure in Aadhaar enabled biometric attendance system.

Stressing that a working day consists of 8 hours (9 am –5.30 pm) with half and hour lunch break (1-1.30 pm), the circular said that all officers, consultants-outsources and others engaged on contract basis are required to work 8 hour a day and complete 40 hours of duty in a week of five days.