Bengal Government Tightens Office Timings, Orders Strict Attendance to Restore Work Culture

PTI, May 12, 2026, Kolkata : The newly formed BJP government in West Bengal on Tuesday introduced stricter attendance rules for all its employees, making it mandatory for staff to report to the office by 10:15 am and remain at their desks till 5:15 pm.

According to a notification, the decision was aimed at ensuring the “smooth functioning” of government departments at a time when several offices are facing heavy workloads.

The order said that all government employees across departments must mark attendance by 10:15 am, while no employee will be allowed to leave the office before 5:15 pm.

The staff have also been instructed not to leave their offices during working hours except for official reasons.

Officials said departments had been asked to implement the directive immediately.

Soon after assuming office, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari moved to tighten administrative discipline and restore what the government described as a stronger work culture in offices.

During the Left Front era, state government offices were often criticised for slow movement of files.

After coming to power, the Trinamool Congress government under Mamata Banerjee had pushed for quicker disposal of public work and faster administrative processes.

However, her government had also faced criticism from sections of the opposition over frequent holidays for government employees.