Ahead of the NEC Plenary Session in Agartala, ARPAN, an esteemed administration based in Tripura, has proposed a significant reform – the adoption of a separate time zone for India’s Northeastern states in its latest communication dated December 17, 2024.
The organization appealed key stakeholders, including the Governors, Chief Ministers of the region, and the Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia to discuss the matter at the 72nd North Eastern Council (NEC) Plenary Session in Agartala, scheduled for December 20-21, 2024.
The Core Proposal
ARPAN has advocated for advancing the daily schedule of Northeastern states by at least two hours relative to Indian Standard Time (IST). This proposal resonates with a prior recommendation by the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), which suggested a dual time-zone system in India. CSIR-NPL’s framework proposed IST-I (UTC+5:30) for most of India and IST-II (UTC+6:30) for the Northeast and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Such a shift would better align with the Northeast’s unique geographical positioning and facilitate the more efficient use of daylight hours.
Rationale for the Proposal
Geographical Considerations
India spans from 68°7’E to 97°25’E longitude, creating a time difference of nearly two hours between its easternmost and westernmost points. For states like Arunachal Pradesh, sunrise occurs as early as 4:00 AM during summer, while in Delhi, it is closer to 6:00 AM. This mismatch leads to wastage of precious daylight hours in the Northeast under the current IST framework.
Health and Productivity
Misalignment with natural light cycles disrupts the biological clock, leading to health issues such as sleep disorders and reduced efficiency. Starting daily activities earlier—in sync with sunrise—would optimize productivity and improve workforce satisfaction. Studies have shown that early morning hours are the most productive; however, these are underutilized under the current time zone system.
Environmental Impact
A separate time zone would maximize the use of natural daylight, significantly reducing reliance on artificial lighting. This aligns with India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, promoting energy conservation and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Proposed Implementation
Time Schedule: Northeastern states could adopt a revised schedule with offices and schools beginning at 9:00 AM in winter and 8:30 AM in summer. Closing times could be adjusted to 5:00 PM and 4:30 PM, respectively, allowing for optimal daylight utilization. An hour’s break during the day would ensure flexibility and leisure.
Policy Discussion: ARPAN has recommended that the 72nd NEC Plenary Session, chaired by Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, include this agenda. Such discussions could unify the Northeastern states in pursuing this progressive initiative.
Benefits of the Proposal
Economic Growth: Aligning work schedules with natural light would enhance workforce efficiency, driving faster regional development and boosting economic output.
Improved Quality of Life: Reduced fatigue, better sleep patterns, and enhanced work-life balance would contribute to the well-being of the region’s population.
Sustainability Goals: Reduced energy consumption from artificial lighting would further India’s environmental objectives, reinforcing its commitment to global climate agreements.
Scientific Validation
CSIR-NPL, the custodian of Indian Standard Time, has validated the feasibility of dual time zones in India. The scientific rationale for introducing IST-II considers longitudinal differences and solar patterns, ensuring practical and effective implementation. Although coordination across time zones may present initial challenges, the long-term benefits—including enhanced health, productivity, and energy efficiency—far outweigh these concerns.
Call to Action
ARPAN urges stakeholders to prioritize this proposal during the NEC forum and to work towards implementing a separate time zone for the Northeastern region. Such a move would symbolize a commitment to equitable development, enhanced productivity, and a sustainable future for one of India’s most vibrant yet underutilized regions.
Background and Context
The ARPAN Society, an esteemed organization based in Tripura, has been at the forefront of research, advocacy, and sustainable development in Northeast India since its establishment in 2003. Registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 and recognized under Section 12A(A) of the Income Tax Act, ARPAN is known for its impactful initiatives aimed at improving public welfare in the region. In its latest communication dated December 17, 2024, ARPAN has proposed a significant reform: the adoption of a separate time zone for India’s Northeastern states.
Conclusion
Experts believe, the proposal of the ARPAN Society for a separate time zone for Northeast India has a big transformative potential. By addressing regional disparities and optimizing resource utilization, this change could significantly contribute to India’s sustainability and growth objectives. The upcoming 72nd NEC Plenary Session provides an ideal platform for policymakers to deliberate on this visionary idea.
(Northeast)
