Guwahati: In the wake of the rising number of COVID-19 instances, Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Personnel, Public Grievances, announced on Sunday that pregnant women and Divyang (differently-abled) employees of central government ministries have been exempted from reporting to work. However, they will be expected to remain available and work from home.
The union minister stated in an official announcement released by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions that all officials and personnel living in confinement zones will be exempt from reporting to work until the containment zones are denotified.
The central government limited the physical presence of government employees below the level of Under Secretary to 50% of their real strength, and asked the other 50% to work from home. According to the Minister, a roster will be developed by all ministries involved.
According to the Minister, Officials and personnel who are not in the office and working from home must be reachable at all times by phone and other electronic means of communication.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) published an office memorandum outlining COVID protocols to be followed while in office due to the rapid spread of the viral infection.
New Guidelines issued by DoPT
- In the Office memorandum, officials are asked to conduct meetings as far as possible through video conferencing.
- Avoid personal meetings with visitors, unless absolutely necessary.
- To avoid overcrowding in the office premises, the official and staff have been asked to follow staggered timings from– (a) 9 am to 5.30 pm and (b) 10 am to 6.30 pm.
- All the officers/staff are advised to ensure strict compliance of COVID-appropriate behavior, that is, frequent washing of hands/sanitization, wearing face mask/face cover, and observing social distancing all the time.
- Proper cleaning and sanitization of the workplace, particularly frequently touched surfaces, may also be ensured.
Singh further stated that the guidelines released in accordance with the DoPT office memorandum would stay in effect until January 31. In the interim, the recommendations will be reviewed on a regular basis and may be amended as necessary depending on the situation.