GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1007
TO BE ANSWERED ON 22-7-2004

STANDARD TIME FOR DIFFERENT REGIONS

1007. SHRI C. PERUMAL:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a) whether in many countries there is a different standard time for each region of the same country;

(b) if so, whether any need has been felt to set a different standard time for different regions in our country considering the geographical and climatic conditions;

(c) if so, the details thereof ; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) Yes Sir. Large countries like USA having very large east-west extent have different standard times for different regions.

(b) No Sir. Considering the fact that India is located between 68º 7" E to 97º 25' E and 8º 4' N 37º 6'N, the Indian Standard time (IST) has been chosen with reference to a central station located at 82º 30' longitude east and 23º 11' latitude North. Since the expanse of the Indian State is not large, no need has been felt for different time zones. Climatic conditions do not determine standard time variations.

(c) & (d): In view of (b), do not arise.