7th Pay Commission Latest News: EXPLAINED! What is 4-day work week for offices? What does that mean for central government employees?
As the Modi government plans to roll out New Wage Code, there has been reports that claimed that the government was also planning to introduce 4-day work week system for government offices. However, the Centre has made its stance clear on it. Union Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar in the Lok Sabha has denied any such move by the government.
What is 4-day week work system?
This means that the central government offices will open only for 4 days in a week, giving more flexibility to employees. The reports also said that the government might introduce this work system in New Wage Code. Source: PTI
4-day week work 'origin'
Earlier in February, senior IAS officer and Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Apurva Chandra had told news agency IANS that the government is considering the objections raised by the trade unions to 12-hour daily work shift. Chandra had said. "See, there will be a maximum of 48 hours of work in a week. If someone works for 8 hours a day, then there will be 6 working days per week. If a company opts for 12-hour working per day for its employees, it means four-day working and three holidays". Source: PTI
Government stance on 4-day week work
Union Labour Minister said there is no such plan to introduce four-day work week system for central government offices. “Presently, there is no such proposal to introduce four days a week or 40 hours a week for Central Government officials,” he said. Source: PTI
'Working hours are recommended by Central Pay Commissions'
He further mentioned in his written reply to the House that working days/ Holiday/ working hours are recommended by respective Central Pay Commissions. "It is informed that the working days/ Holiday/ working hours in administrative offices of Central Government of India are recommended by the respective Central Pay Commissions. Based on the fourth pay commission recommendation, five days a week and eight and half hours working per day in civil administrative offices of Government of India was introduced," he said. Source: Reuters
7th Central pay Commission recommendations
Gangwar, however, said that the 7th Central pay Commission has recommended that the status quo may be maintained. Based on the fourth pay commission’s recommendations earlier, the Centre had introduced a five-day work week. The primary objective was to give more leisure time to the employees which leads to better work-life balance and also improves their efficiency. Source: PTI