On citizen’s proposal, Ministries post work timings on websites

The Hindu: New Delhi: Friday, 07 November 2014.

Taking note of a retired Commodore’s suggestion for posting details relating to working hours on government websites, the Department of Personnel and Training has issued an order advising all the Ministries and departments to upload the information.

The decision came within four months of the proposal made by Commodore (retired) Lokesh K. Batra, a resident of Noida Sector 25

The DoPT order dated November 5, 2014 states: “To make the general public and concerned stakeholders aware of the office timings in government offices, DoPT has posted this information on the homepage of its website www.versmin.nic.in.”

“The matter regarding posting/uploading of ‘Working hours’ etc. on the websites of Indian Government has been considered in this Department in order to provide information to the citizens staying/residing abroad who seek Indian Government websites,” said the order, advising all Ministries/departments to upload details pertaining to working hours, holidays list and public dealing hours.

“Democracy at its best, the government implemented by proposal,” said Commodore Batra.

His other pending proposals are regarding dedicated email IDs for RTI applications and RTI appeals by all the Central Public Authorities (presently the PMO and few other public authorities have done so); and extending e-IPO facilities beyond Centre to States for payment of RTI fee.

The Commodore had on July 4 written to Cabinet Secretariat Joint Secretary proposing that “the Cabinet Secretariat may please issue directions to all Ministries, departments and other public authorities of the Government of India to upload on the home page of their websites information regarding Working Hours, Holidays List and Public dealing hours”.

The proposal was forwarded to Secretary (Administrative Reforms &Public Grievances). Within four days, Commodore Batra received acknowledgment through SMS. Following a reminder on September 25, he also met the Secretary to explain that the information was essential for those living in different time zones for any communication they need to make.

Within days, the DoPT posted working hours on its website. “Earlier only Indian Missions/posts abroad were uploading working hours...,” he said, adding that the final order came on Wednesday.