Thiruvananthapuram: The state government is preparing to hold discussions with service organisations on the proposal to make government offices function only five days a week. A meeting in this regard has been scheduled by the Public Administration Secretary on September 11.

Similar to the pattern used in central government offices, for the past five years this has been a recommendation for the Kerala government to implement a five-day work week. Several other states have already implemented it. The 11th Pay Revision Commission had also recommended the same, stating that if workdays are reduced, office hours should be extended by one hour daily and certain holidays should be curtailed. The Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) had echoed this recommendation.

However, employee unions had generally opposed the move. The government’s latest notice inviting organisations for discussion does not contain any conditions or specific proposals. Public Works Secretary K Biju clarified that no final decision has been taken and the discussion is only to gather employees’ opinions.

Officials also indicated that the sudden invitation for discussion is not meant to signal an immediate implementation of the five-day week, especially since unions may not agree to the proposal if it comes with conditions. Meanwhile, a “file adalat” is being held at the Secretariat to clear long-pending files. Among them is the file regarding the change in working days, which has been circulating for several years. The Chief Minister has directed that all such pending files be settled by August 31.

Recommendations of the pay commission:

  1. Government offices should operate five days a week, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
  2. The number of public holidays should be reduced to 15, and earned leave with pay cut down to 12 days.
  3. Employees arriving late by one hour should face a deduction of 1% from their monthly salary.