Govt reintroduces 50% attendance cap for staff below under secretary level

In the wake of rapidly rising Covid-19 cases in the country, the Centre on Monday restricted the attendance of its employees below the level of under-secretary at all its departments to 50 per cent.

According to a Personnel Ministry decision on Monday, the Centre has authorised 50% of its staff below the level of Under Secretary to work from home due to an increase in coronavirus cases. 

Employees with impairments and pregnant women have been exempted from attending the offices, according to the statement.

To avoid overcrowding in offices, central government officers and personnel would be required to work in staggered shifts from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., according to the directive.

According to the directive given to all central government agencies, all officers and personnel dwelling in Covid confinement zones have been exempted from reporting to work until the containment zones are de-notified.

"Physical attendance of government employees below the level of Under Secretary will be limited to 50% of the total workforce, with the remaining 50% working from home. All of the departments involved can create a roster in this manner "According to the order.

It said that all officers at the level of undersecretary and above must report to work on a regular basis.

"Meetings will be done as much as possible via video-conferencing, and physical meetings with visitors shall be avoided unless absolutely required in the public interest," the order stated.

All officers/staff must adhere to Covid-appropriate behaviour, which includes frequent hand washing/sanitization, wearing a mask/face cover, and maintaining social distance at all times, according to the statement.

"It is possible to assure proper cleaning and frequent sanitization of the workplace, particularly of the often handled surfaces. HoDs may also guarantee that corridors, canteens, and other areas are not overcrowded "According to the directive.

View the order copy reproduced here