Tripura Introduces Austerity Measures, 50% Group C & D Staff to Work From Home Following PM Modi’s Appeal

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, May 13, 2026

In a significant administrative move aimed at reducing fuel consumption and curbing government expenditure amid the ongoing global energy crisis, the Government of Tripura has introduced austerity measures that mandate rotational office attendance and work-from-home arrangements for Group C and Group D employees across the state. The decision comes in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent nationwide appeal urging citizens, institutions and government establishments to conserve fuel and adopt work-from-home practices wherever feasible due to the worldwide fuel crisis triggered by the war-like situation involving Iran and rising international tensions affecting global energy supply chains. The General Administration (Administrative Reforms) Department of the Government of Tripura issued an official memorandum vide No. F.1(10)/GA(AR)/2026/255 dated May 13, 2026, directing all departments and subordinate government offices to immediately implement the austerity measures. According to the memorandum, Heads of Departments (HoDs) have been instructed to ensure that only 50 per cent of Group C and Group D employees physically attend office each day. The remaining employees will discharge their duties from home on a rotational basis. To streamline the process, HoDs have been asked to prepare weekly duty rosters for Group C and D employees. The memorandum specifically instructed departments to prioritise employees residing near office locations while preparing the initial roster in order to minimise fuel consumption and transportation requirements. The order further stated that employees assigned to work from home must remain available at all times through telephone and electronic communication platforms. They may also be required to report to office immediately in case of urgent administrative or emergency work. The austerity measures have not been restricted only to government departments. The state government has advised Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), local bodies, autonomous organisations, statutory bodies and all subordinate offices under the State Government to adopt similar measures in their respective establishments. However, the memorandum clearly exempted essential and emergency services from the restrictions. Offices and employees involved in emergency response, critical public services and essential administrative operations will continue functioning normally without any attendance limitations. Officials in the administration said the move is intended to reduce avoidable expenditure, conserve fuel resources, ease transportation pressure and promote efficient administrative functioning during the present energy conservation drive. The directives have come into force with immediate effect and will remain operational until further orders from the Government. The memorandum was signed by AK Bhattacharya, Special Secretary to the Government of Tripura. The Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) Department has also been instructed to ensure wide publicity of the government’s decision across the state. Tripura has now joined states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh in adopting administrative austerity measures and flexible working arrangements in response to the emerging global fuel and economic concerns.

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