(a) whether the National Institute of Advanced Studies has proposed for
adding time to Indian Standard Time;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether it is also a fact that such a move will save energy; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and response of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINSITRY OF PLANNING; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY
OF EARTH SCIENCES (ASHWANI KUMAR)
(a) & (b): No, Madam. The National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru
had not proposed adding time to Indian Standard Time (IST). However, scientists
of National Institute of Advanced Studies had executed an individual research
project sponsored by Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power. The findings
of the study conducted were published in the Journal “Current Science†advocating
for advancing the Indian Standard Time by half an hour by shifting the IST
longitude from 82.5oE to 90oE. However, the shifting of the time longitude
need to follow the International Conventions and cannot be implemented in
isolation by countries.
(c) & (d): The shifting of time by half an hour will have some benefits in the
saving of energy. However, this advancing time by shifting the longitude will be
in contravention to the International Convention on Standards. In the year 2002,
the Department of Science and Technology had constituted a high level Committee
to explore the feasibility of having two separate time zones given the longitudinal
difference between the extreme regions of the country. The Committee in its
recommendation observed that having separate time zones may not provide any
mojor advantage to the states but may pose difficulties in view of differential
timings to be framed for airlines, railways, communication services etc. They
recommended a more effective solution of advancing the work timing in these
states which can be implemented through administrative actions. Accordingly,
the Government of India had requested the State(s)/UT(s) Governments to
introduce Daylight Saving Measures like staggering of working hours depending
on the seasons to maximize the energy saving. Several countries use “Daylight
Saving Measures†for saving energy without shifting the time longitude.