Ministers, or Sarkaari babus in Punjab have escaped the heat of power saving drive. Instead of leaving them virtually powerless without air conditioners (ACs), the Government has simply asked them to cut down on electricity wastage. In case of violation of the directives, it’s the branch superintendent, and officers in-charge who would be dealt with severely.
last year saw the directions being issued to the sarkaari babus not to switch on the ACs during peak summer season due to deficiency in rainfall. But so far, the Government has only issued an advisory to them against wasting electricity by keeping lights and fans switched on in their absence.
The directions were issued on Friday to all the heads of departments to make sure that there was no misuse of electric equipments in the offices of the State Government, including Punjab Civil Secretariat and Mini Secretariat.
The directives came after it has been noticed that electricity equipments like ACs, computers, tube lights, bulbs, fans remain switched on in the offices of ministers or officers without their presence in the offices.
“As per the instructions, all branch superintendents, officers in-charge would have to ensure that these are switch off immediately as the ministers or officers leave their office,” said Punjab Government’s spokesperson.
Besides, they would also have to ensure that no equipment should remain switch on after the office time, he said, adding that in case of failure to implement these orders in true spirit and manner, the concerned officer or employee would have to face strict action.