Delhi LG rejects Kejriwal’s proposal; Weekend curfews to stay, private offices can operate at 50%

Representational Image (Credits: PTI)

New Delhi: Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Friday (January 21, 2022) rejected Arvind Kejriwal’s proposal to ease Covid-19 restrictions and lift weekend curfew in the national capital. However, the Lieutenant Governor agreed to allow private offices to reopen with 50 per cent capacity.  

“Agreed to 50% attendance in Pvt offices. But suggested that status quo be maintained with regards to weekend curfew and opening of markets and decision be taken on the subject once the COVID situation improves further,” LG House said in a statement. 

#UPDATE | Agreed to 50% attendance in Pvt offices. But suggested that status quo be maintained with regards to weekend curfew and opening of markets and decision be taken on the subject once the COVID situation improves further: LG House — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2022

Earlier today, the Delhi government had recommended the lifting of certain curbs as Covid-19 cases continue to dip in the national capital and has sought LG's nod. 

The government had suggested that relaxations such as lifting weekend curfew and ending odd even rule for shops can now be given as the situation improves. The Arvind Kejriwal government had also suggested that private offices may be permitted to call 50% staff as opposed to the current 100 percent work from home.

However now, as a part of the weekend curfew, all movements will remain restricted across Delhi from 10 pm Fridays to 5 am Mondays. During the ongoing weekend curfew, only those involved in essential services and those facing an emergency situation are allowed to step out. Government passes or valid identity cards are required. Even all shops, except those dealing in essential items such as groceries and medicines, were closed.

When it came to public transport, Metros, and buses, they were allowed to operate at full capacity, but without standing commuters. To keep a check on crowd in public spaces, shops and commercial establishments had been allowed to operate on the odd-even basis. 

Meanwhile, Delhi on Thursday reported 12,306 fresh Covid-19 cases and 43 more fatalities due to the viral disease, while the positivity rate dipped to 21.48 per cent, according to data shared by the city health department.