To contain the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus disease, which has infected around 223 people in India so far, several central government employees have been asked to work from home till April 4. According to an order issued by the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions today, heads of department (HoDs) have been asked to ensure that 50% of Group B and C employees are required to attend office every day, and the remaining 50% staff should be instructed to work from home.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The work from home orders will be in effect till April 4
- India has reported 223 coronavirus cases so far
- Worldwide over 8,000 people have died due to novel coronavirus
The central Govt. has ordered its employees to work from home in a staggered manner – 50 percent of Group B and C employees will attend office while the rest will log in from their homes – as part of its measures to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak in the country.
As per a notification issued by the government today, working hours of those employees scheduled to attend office on each day will also be staggered.
“All Heads of Departments (HoDs) are advised to draft a weekly roster of duty for Group B and C staff and ask them to attend office on alternate weeks. While deciding the roster for the first week, HoDs are advised to include officials who are residing in close proximity to their office or use their own transport to travel to the offices,” the notification said.
The staggered hours consist of three-time slots: 9 am to 5.30 pm, 9.30 am to 6 pm and 10 am to 6.30 pm.
Centre has ordered its employees to work from home in a staggered manner. “The officials who are working from home on a particular day as per the roster drawn up should be available on telephone and electronic means of communication at all times. They should attend office if called for any exigency of work,” the order said.
The work from home orders will be in effect till April 4. However, this order does not apply to offices and employees engaged in essential/emergency services and those directly involved in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak.
The work from home orders come two days after the Personnel Ministry asked all central government departments to take precautionary measures. All departments have been asked to discourage visitors and install thermal screeners as well as place hand sanitizers at convenient locations.
Employees at high risk – older people, people with underlying medical conditions and pregnant workers were asked to take extra precautions.
Also read: PM Modi To Address Nation On Coronavirus At 8 pm Tonight
