Agartala, June 9: The Tripura government has announced a significant administrative reform by introducing a five-day work week for state government employees and declaring all Saturdays as holidays, a move aimed at improving work-life balance while maintaining efficiency in public service delivery.
According to a notification issued by the General Administration Department, government offices will now function from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday. The revised schedule replaces the earlier office timing of 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and ends the existing practice of observing holidays only on the second and fourth Saturdays.
The government stated that the additional one-hour working period on weekdays would offset the complete closure of offices on Saturdays, ensuring that administrative functions and public services continue without disruption.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha described the decision as a progressive measure that seeks to balance governance, employee welfare and administrative efficiency. He said the reform would allow government employees more time for family, personal development and mental well-being while maintaining accountability and productivity in public administration.
Speaking to ANI, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that the initiative would positively impact both the professional and personal lives of employees. He noted that government workers deserve adequate time to spend with their families, pursue hobbies and focus on personal growth.
Dr. Saha also pointed out that the move aligns Tripura with the work culture followed by the Central Secretariat in New Delhi and several other institutions that operate on a five-day work week. He said employees who travel long distances to their workplaces would particularly benefit from the additional weekly holiday.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to modernising administration, the Chief Minister said the new system is expected to boost employee morale, improve productivity and enhance overall efficiency in government offices.
The decision has been welcomed by employees, who described it as a positive step towards reducing work-related stress and providing more time for family and social commitments. The revised office timings and the new Saturday holiday system have come into effect immediately, marking a major change in the state’s administrative functioning.
