The Odisha government on Monday (March 23, 2026) restricted working hours for all government, non-government, industrial establishments and construction sectors from April 1 in view of rising mercury level in the ensuing summer season.
Stating that in view of the rising temperatures expected in April this year, the possibility of heatstroke during the summer season cannot be ruled out, the government has changed working hours to protect workers engaged in outdoor labour from extreme heat conditions.
The Department of Labour and Employees’ State Insurance has issued a notification intimating instructions to all revenue commissioners, district collectors, and the State labour commissioner in this regard.
“All departments of the Odisha government, as well as all departments of the central government institutes located in Odisha, private employers, all commercial and industrial establishments, shop owners, business establishments, and contractors are requested to ensure that workers under their supervision are not engaged in work between 11 AM and 3 PM from April 1 to June 15,” says the notification.
The department allowed institutes to make necessary adjustments in working hours to safeguard them from severe heat conditions.
“If any work is considered urgent or is related to essential services where workers cannot be given rest during the above-mentioned hours, employers must take precautionary measures to protect them from extreme heat,” the labour department further said.
“These measures must mandatorily include provision of safe drinking water, adequate shaded resting areas, medical facilities including access to doctors, and ORS packets for every worker,” it said. Health department institutions have been requested to remain prepared to handle heat-related conditions and provide necessary treatment to affected patients.
Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar on Monday predicted gradual rise in maximum temperature (day temperature) by 2 to 4 degree Celsius during next four to five days. This month, maximum daytime temperature has already breached 40 degree Celsius in some places.
Published – March 24, 2026 03:55 am IST
