Rashmi Ranjan

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Works department on Friday sought clarification from the office of Engineer-in-chief (Civil) over its order asking women staff to leave office before sunset.

According to sources, the department has asked the office to submit the clarification in writing within seven days on what made it to impose restrictions on the timing of women staff.

“All lady officials or staff are hereby requested to leave office by 5:30 PM positively on all the working days. They are also requested to work sincerely during office hours and ensure that there shall not be any pending work on their seats,” the order issued by the EIC office on Thursday stated.

Speaking to OTV on the leave-office-before-sunset directive, Goutam Kumar Pal, the Superintending Engineer (P&D) had said, “They should wrap up all their work latest by 5:30 PM and leave the office. What would happen as a consequence of this is they will not face any issues at workplace or encounter any problems when they are on way to home, as there is a possibility of troubles emerging if they return late.”

“It is for their good. There is nothing to worry about. The decision has been taken as a preventive measure to ensure their safety,” the official had stated.

While a few employees welcomed the decision, social activists had questioned the seriousness of the organisation with regard to building gender equality.

Hailing the decision, Smita Satapathy, who works at the office had said, “It will be of great help to us. Back home we have a family. It is always good if we are able to spend more time with all family members.”

Social activists have, however, strongly criticised the move. “Is this how Odisha is implementing Naveen Patnaik government’s ‘Maa Ku Samman’ call? The order asking women to leave office by 5:30 smacks of gender bias, ensure safety by ensuring equality. Men and women, both are given top responsibilities in the State, then why are such rules being imposed?” questioned activists.

(Edited By Suryakant Jena)

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