After Raj Bhavan, HP High Court Tightens Belt; Judges Opt for Car-Pooling, Staff Get Limited WFH
Shimla, May 18:
After the Himachal Pradesh Governor Secretariat rolled out austerity steps, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh has also moved into cost-cutting mode, issuing fresh directions aimed at reducing fuel consumption and streamlining office functioning amid the Centre’s austerity push.
In a circular issued by the Registrar General on May 18, the High Court said the measures were being adopted following directions from the Government of India’s Department of Personnel and Training and a related circular issued by the Supreme Court of India.
In a significant move, the Hon’ble Judges of the High Court have unanimously decided to encourage car-pooling among themselves to ensure optimum utilization of fuel.
The move comes at a time when governments and institutions across the country are being asked to reduce avoidable expenditure.
The High Court has also permitted up to 50 per cent staff in each branch or section of the Registry to work from home for up to two days a week, subject to approval by the concerned Registrars. However, the remaining staff will have to remain present in office to ensure uninterrupted functioning of court administration.
The circular makes it clear that employees allowed to work from home must remain available on telephone at all times and be ready to report to office whenever required.
At the same time, the High Court has kept the option open to withdraw or modify the work-from-home arrangement in branches where the system is found ineffective or where the nature of work is considered essential.
The latest move signals that austerity measures are no longer confined to the executive setup in Himachal Pradesh, with constitutional institutions also stepping in to cut costs and conserve resources.
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