The Odisha government on Monday (March 23, 2026) restricted working hours for all government, non-government, industrial undertakings and construction sectors from April 1 in view of rising mercury levels in the coming summer season.
The government said that with rising temperatures expected in April this year, the possibility of heat stroke in the summer season cannot be ruled out, and has changed working hours to protect workers working outdoors from extreme heat.
The Department of Labor and Employees’ State Insurance has issued a notification in this regard with intimate instructions to all Finance Commissioners, District Collectors and State Labor Commissioners.
“All departments of the Government of Odisha as well as all departments of Central Government Institutes located in Odisha, private employers, all commercial and industrial establishments, shop owners, commercial establishments and contractors are requested to ensure that the workers under their supervision do not work between 11 am and 3 pm from April 1 to June 15,” the notification said.
The department has allowed institutes to make necessary adjustments to their working hours to protect them from the severe heat.
“If any work is considered urgent or related to essential services where workers cannot rest during the above hours, employers must take precautions to protect them from extreme heat,” the labor department said.
“These measures must include the provision of safe drinking water, adequately shaded rest areas, medical facilities including access to doctors and ORS packs for every worker,” the statement said. Health department institutions have been asked to remain ready to handle heat-related conditions and provide necessary treatment to affected patients.
The Meteorological Center in Bhubaneswar on Monday predicted a gradual increase in the maximum temperature (day temperature) by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next four to five days. The maximum daily temperatures in this month have already exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in some places.
Published – 24 March 2026 03:55 IST
