One Nation, One time: Govt drafts rules for mandatory adoption of Indian Standard Time

Govt drafts rules for mandatory adoption of Indian Standard Time

The government has proposed new rules to standardize timekeeping by requiring the exclusive use of Indian Standard Time (IST) for all official and commercial purposes.

The draft of the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2024, aims to create a legal structure for consistent time practices, making IST the only recognized time reference for legal, administrative, commercial, and official documents.

The Consumer Affairs Ministry has opened a public consultation period, inviting feedback until February 14.

The draft rule mandates that Indian Standard Time (IST) be the sole time reference across all sectors, including commerce, transport, public administration, legal contracts, and financial operations.

Key provisions include a ban on using any time reference other than IST for official and commercial purposes, the requirement for government offices and public institutions to display IST, and the need for time synchronization systems to ensure accuracy, reliability, and cybersecurity.

This proposal is part of efforts to maintain precise timekeeping in critical national infrastructure such as telecommunications, banking, defense, and emerging technologies like 5G and AI.

"Precise time with nanosecond accuracy is essential for strategic and non-strategic sectors," a senior government official told PTI.

However, exceptions will be made for specialized fields like astronomy, navigation, and scientific research, provided they receive prior government approval.

The Department of Consumer Affairs is working with the National Physical Laboratory and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to establish a reliable system for generating and disseminating time.

Violations of the proposed rules will result in penalties, and periodic audits will be conducted to ensure compliance across various sectors.

Public stakeholders have been invited to submit comments and suggestions on the draft rules by February 14.