Government Issues Urgent Directives for Civil Servants

Khaborwala Online Desk

Published: 02 Apr 2026, 02:16 pm

The government has issued a set of urgent directives requiring all civil servants to remain in their offices daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. This measure aims to enhance citizen service, improve administrative efficiency, and strengthen inter-departmental coordination. The instructions, along with additional operational guidelines, have been formally communicated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

On Thursday, 2 April, a notice signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Mosa Tania Ferdous outlined these requirements, stressing their importance for the effective functioning of government offices.

The notice highlighted that compliance with these directives has been inconsistent and urged all personnel to adhere strictly to the instructions from the Cabinet Division. It also emphasised responsible use of energy and resources within office environments.

Key instructions include:

Directive	Details
Mandatory Office Presence	Civil servants must be in their offices daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:40 a.m., ensuring uninterrupted workflow during this period.
Natural Light Usage	Use natural daylight where available; keep windows, doors, or blinds open to minimise artificial lighting.
Electrical Appliances	Only operate essential devices (lights, fans, air conditioners, computers, printers, scanners).
Air Conditioning Settings	Maintain temperature at 25°C or higher to conserve energy.
Equipment Shutdown	Turn off all electrical appliances when leaving the office, including corridor and restroom lights.
Energy Conservation	Avoid decorative lighting without government approval; use energy judiciously.
Hygiene and Cleanliness	Keep offices, corridors, stairs, handrails, and washrooms clean at all times.
Monitoring and Compliance	Each department must establish a vigilance team to oversee adherence.

The notice further cautions that office routines, including the preparation of official schedules, should not be disrupted during the specified timeframe. All personnel are also reminded to ensure energy-efficient practices, including judicious use of electrical appliances and adherence to recommended temperature settings for air conditioners.

Departments are required to implement vigilance teams to monitor compliance and report any lapses. The government emphasises that these measures are crucial not only for operational efficiency but also for demonstrating accountability and environmental responsibility within the public sector.

These directives form part of the ongoing effort to modernise administrative operations and instil disciplined work habits among civil servants, reflecting a broader commitment to public service excellence.