The Punjab government has directed all state government employees, including senior officials, to remain available on their mobile phones at all times.
The order aims to ensure officers are reachable for urgent administrative needs and to prevent disruptions in essential administrative work and public service delivery.
Similar directives were issued in 2017 and mobile phone allowances were introduced in 2012 to enforce round-the-clock availability.
The directive has sparked concerns among employees about the erosion of personal time and may face pushback due to burnout and lack of downtime.