As temperatures soar past 42°C in Karnataka, government employees and laborers across the state are calling for a change in working hours to cope with the extreme heat.
The relentless summer has made it increasingly difficult for workers, particularly in rural areas, to perform their duties efficiently.
This demand for revised schedules has gained momentum, with appeals being made to district authorities and the state government.
Historical Context and Current Scenario
In previous years, the Karnataka government had adjusted office timings during the summer months to provide relief from the heat.
Employees in eight districts, including Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari, Vijayanagara, Vijayapura, and Bagalkot, had revised working hours during the summer.
They worked from 8 AM to 1:30 PM instead of the usual 10 AM to 5:30 PM schedule.
These changes were implemented following consultations with regional commissioners and the Karnataka State Government Employees Association.
However, for the past two years, no changes were made due to the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
The elections have now concluded, prompting employees to request a return to summer timings.
They are urging the government to implement this change until May, when the intense heat is likely to ease.
Challenges Faced by Karnataka Government Employees
The harsh working conditions are especially difficult for employees in rural areas.
Many government offices in these regions lack basic amenities such as air-conditioning or reliable electricity.
Employees report struggling to work efficiently during peak afternoon hours, with many citing health issues and reduced productivity.
Basavaraj Balundgi, the Kalaburagi district president of the Karnataka State Government Employees Association, highlighted the plight of rural workers.
He emphasized that advancing office hours would provide significant relief to employees.
It would also benefit the public, particularly elderly citizens, women, and individuals with health issues, by enabling them to finish tasks before the peak afternoon heat.
Impact on Laborers
The extreme heat has also severely impacted construction laborers and daily wage earners.
Many construction workers have adjusted their schedules, taking breaks during the hottest hours and extending their shifts later in the day.
Brick kiln workers, for instance, now work early in the morning from 6 AM to 11:30 AM and resume in the evening from 4:30 PM to 7 PM.
The Karnataka State Construction and Quarrying Workers Association has urged the Labour Department to provide protective gear, such as hard hats with built-in sunshades and cooling pads, to ensure worker safety.
Daily wage earners, already facing financial challenges, are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
Karnataka Government’s Response and Future Outlook
State president C N Shadakshari mentioned that appeals have been submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and employees are awaiting approval to bring back summer timings.
The government is expected to review the requests submitted by employees. This comes in light of the urgent need to tackle the difficulties brought on by the extreme heat.
The situation underscores the importance of proactive measures to ensure the well-being of employees and laborers.
As temperatures continue to rise, the demand for revised working hours and improved workplace amenities is likely to grow.
Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Google News, and YouTube, to get the latest news updates, Subscribe to our Channels. WhatsApp– Click Here, Google News– Click Here, YouTube – Click Here, and LinkedIn– Click Here.
