The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Monday announced work-from-home (WFH) facilities for registry staff along with carpooling arrangements for judges, aiming to reduce fuel consumption and improve efficiency. The decision comes amid the Centre’s broader push for resource optimisation and reduced expenditure across government institutions.
The measures came into immediate effect through a circular issued on May 18 by Registrar General Bhupesh Sharma. Officials said the directions were implemented without delay to ensure early adoption of fuel-saving and cost-cutting practices within the court administration.
The circular stated that the decisions follow recent guidelines issued by the Government of India’s Department of Personnel and Training and related communication from the Supreme Court of India. The High Court aligned its measures with these national-level administrative directions.
The initiative also follows austerity steps recently introduced by the Himachal Pradesh Governor's Secretariat, signalling a wider effort within the state to rationalise expenses and promote efficient use of public resources.
As part of the move, High Court judges unanimously agreed to encourage carpooling among themselves. The aim is to ensure better fuel utilisation amid rising fuel concerns and the ongoing West Asia crisis affecting global energy supplies.
The High Court has allowed up to 50 per cent of staff in each registry branch or section to work from home for up to two days a week. The arrangement will be implemented only after approval from the registrars concerned.
Officials clarified that the remaining employees will continue working from office premises to ensure uninterrupted judicial and administrative functioning. A weekly duty roster will be prepared in advance to maintain smooth workflow and coordination.
The circular also states that employees working from home must remain available on phone at all times. They must be ready to report to office immediately if required for official duties.
Registrars have been authorised to modify, restrict or withdraw work-from-home arrangements in sections where remote functioning affects efficiency or where physical presence is essential for court operations.
Overall, the measures are seen as part of wider efforts to reduce administrative expenses and optimise resources while ensuring that judicial functioning and public services remain unaffected.
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