The draft proposals for the staggered timings of all government, semi-government, autonomous and semi-autonomous offices for easing traffic congestion in the city were finalised yesterday at an inter-ministerial meeting. The meeting was held at the establishment ministry with the establishment secretary Iqbal Mahmud in the chair.

After the meeting, the establishment secretary told reporters that they finalised the draft proposals for the staggered timings of offices and it would be placed at the next cabinet meeting for approval. "The three-category work schedule is likely to be introduced soon," he said.

On August 31 last, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked the cabinet secretary to prepare a proposal for staggered timings for government offices, banks and financial institutions, markets and educational institutions soon to reduce traffic congestion in the city. Sources said that the establishment ministry prepared a proposal of the new timetable on the basis of recommendations made by different ministries and divisions, sources in the ministry said.

According to the proposal, all government, semi-government, autonomous and semi-autonomous offices would open at 9 am and close at 5 pm, while banks, insurance and other financial institutions, along with private businesses will open at10 am and close at 6 pm. The proposal also says that all primary schools and kindergartens will open at 9.30 in the morning and close at 4.15 in the afternoon while classes of other educational institutions like English medium schools, high schools, madrasas and colleges will start from 7.00 am, sources added.

-The Independent