Citing the surge in novel coronavirus pandemic, on Monday, the Government has issued a fresh set of guidelines for central government employees in terms of physical attendance, working hours and more.
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Fresh Guidelines For Central Government Employees
According to these guidelines issued by the Personnel Ministry, all the officers of the level of Deputy Secretary, equivalent and above are to attend office on a regular basis.
Further it mentioned that the physical attendance of the officers of the level of Under Secretary or equivalent and below to be restricted to 50 per cent of the actual strength.
Moreover the statement noted, “Secretary/head of Department (HoD) may regulate the attendance of officials and may, on administrative grounds, direct more officials to attend office,”.
In addition to this, they have exempted the persons with disabilities and pregnant women employees from attending office.
Although, the statement mentioned about them continuing to work from home, until further orders.
Why New Guidelines?
The main aim behind issuing these guidelines is to curb the unprecedented rise in the number of COVID-19 cases and also take measures to prevent its spread.
It “shall come into effect immediately and will remain in force until 30.04.2021 or further orders”, as informed by the Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh.
He also mentioned about hoping that all these instructions will be followed in letter and spirit in the interest of the well-being of all the citizens and government employees and their families.
Further, he hopes that the state/Union Territory governments will also contemplate on similar guidelines, as per the statement.
Staggered Timings
In addition to attendance, the officers/staff should also follow staggered timings which is 9 AM to 5.30 PM, 9.30 AM to 6 PM and 10 AM to 6.30 PM.
This is basically to avoid overcrowding in offices, according to the Personnel Ministry.
New Guidelines
Moving ahead, the statement mentioned, “All officials who do not attend office on a particular day are to make themselves available on telephone and other electronic means of communication at all times from their residence and work from home,”.
The statement said that all officials residing in containment zones, shall continue to be exempted from coming to office till the containment zone is denotified.
All officials who attend office shall strictly follow COVID-19-appropriate behaviour including wearing of mask, physical distancing, use of sanitizers and frequent hand washing with soap and water, it said.
In addition to that crowding in lifts, staircases, corridors, common areas including refreshment kiosk and parking areas is to be strictly avoided.