Government workers across districts in North Karnataka are appealing for revised office schedules as temperatures soar past 42°C. For two consecutive years, changes in working hours were not made due to elections, leaving staff to endure harsh summer conditions. Now, employees are urging district authorities to adjust office timings until May to offer respite from the scorching heat.
Earlier, based on recommendations from regional commissioners and requests from the Karnataka State Government Employees Association, the government had shifted office timings from 10 am–5:30 pm to 8 am–1:30 pm across eight districts—Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari, Vijayanagara, Vijayapura, and Bagalkot. Officers were also required to remain available beyond the altered hours during emergencies.
Basavaraj Balundgi, Kalaburagi district president of the association, highlighted that rural offices lack basic infrastructure like air conditioning and stable electricity, worsening the discomfort. He stressed that advancing office hours would also aid the public, particularly elderly citizens, women, and those with health issues, enabling them to complete tasks before peak afternoon temperatures.
State president C N Shadakshari mentioned that appeals have been submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, anticipating approval to bring back summer timings.
Meanwhile, construction labourers and brick kiln workers are suffering severely. Adjustments have allowed them to pause work during the hottest hours and extend shifts later. Karnataka State Construction and Quarrying Workers Association has urged authorities to provide essential protective gear like sunshades and cooling helmets to safeguard labourers.
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