“New Central Government Directive Mandates Women Leave Office by 6:15 PM, Sparks Gender Bias Controversy

In the wake of the tragic rape-murder case involving a doctor in Kolkata, a new directive from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata, has ignited claims of gender bias due to its application solely to female employees.

According to the recent order, issued on August 13, women employees, including post-doctoral fellows, senior and junior research fellows, are required to leave the office by 6:15 PM. If they need to stay beyond this time, they must “obtain prior permission” from the administration.

The circular, issued under Rule 3-C of the Central Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, stipulates that all women working in various capacities at the ZSI Headquarters in Kolkata must adhere to the office hours of 9:45 AM to 6:15 PM.”