Guwahati: Given that the sun rises earlier in the Northeastern region compared to the rest of the country, Assam government will once again raise demand for introduction of ‘local standard time’ one hour ahead of Indian Standard Time (IST), to save daylight hours.
This was disclosed by Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on the New Year’s Day here. Gogoi said , “We want to adopt local standard time. We had placed the demand before the Centre earlier also but it was rejected.”
Gogoi pointed out that erstwhile British colonial ruler had introduced the practice of local standard time in the north eastern states, where the sun rises earlier and also sets earlier compared to rest of the country.
The tea gardens in Assam still adhere to use of local standard time, setting their clocks an hour ahead of IST to capitalise on sunlight hours. Work in Asam tea estates starts at six hours local time in the morning.
“People are more productive in morning hours. In addition, introduction of local standard time will help conservation of precious electrical energy,” Gogoi added.
Gogoi on Wednesday said that the thrust of his government in the coming year would be on livelihood generation and development of rural economy. He emphasized on the need for research-based cost-effective technology innovations, which could help increase employment avenues.
Interacting with media persons here, Gogoi said stress would be laid on proper research so that resources, which are naturally found abundant in the state, can be utilised to evolve means of employment and livelihood options generation.
The chief minister further stressed the need to develop the rural economy and added that he has been emphasising this point at all platforms, right from chief ministers’ conclaves to Planning Commission meetings.
He also dwelt on a number of developmental activities and welfare schemes that the government will pursue with greater vigour for development of all sections, including farmers, youth, women and children.
