Centre directs its employees to work in three shifts to tackle coronavirus spread

Image for representational use only

NEW DELHI: The central government on Thursday (March 19, 2020) altered the working hours of its employees and directed them to work in three shifts as part of measures to combat the spread of coronavirus. ''50 per cent of Group B and C employees are required to attend office every day, and the remaining 50 per cent of staff should be instructed to work from home,'' a statement from the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions said.

Working hours of the employees should be altered, the statement suggested.

Here's what the govt statement released by PIB said -

''No. 11013/9/2014-Estt (A-III) 

Government of India, 
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Personnel & Training 
North Block, 
New Delhi-110001 Dated the 19th March 2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM  

Sub: Preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID19. 

In continuation of this Department OM of even no. dated 17th March 2020 (Copy Enclosed), the following further instructions are issued: (i) Heads of Department (HoDs) may ensure that 50 per cent of Group B and C employees are required to attend office every day, and the remaining 50 per cent staff should be instructed to work from home. All 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.

(ii) Further, the working hours for all employees who attend office on a particular day should be staggered. It is suggested that three groups of employees may be formed and asked to attend office as per the following timings: - (a) 9 AM to 5.30 PM (b) 9.30 AM to 6 PM (c) 10 AM to 6.30 PM

 (iii) 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.

(iv) Similar instructions may be issued to Attached/Subordinate Offices, Autonomous/Statutory Bodies.

(v) The Department of Financial Services (DFS) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) may issue similar instructions regarding Financial Institutions and Public Sector Undertakings.
(vi) These instructions shall not apply to the offices and employees engaged in essential/emergency services and those directly engaged in taking measures to control spread of COVID-19.
(vii) These orders shall be applicable with immediate effect and will remain in force till 4th April 2020.

Meanwhile, the Group of Ministers (GoM) also met today to review the situation arising out of coronavirus situation, which has so far claimed three lives in India and affected at least 168 people so far.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also address the nation on Thursday (March 19) at 8 PM, during which he will talk about issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat it. Notably, the Prime Minister also chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review the ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19. He discussed the ways to further strengthen India’s preparedness, and this included enhancing testing facilities.

"Prime Minister emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organisations in chalking our mechanisms to fight the COVID-19 menace. He also urged officials an technical experts to deliberate on the steps to be taken next," a statement from PMO said.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to all those at the forefront of combating COVID-19 including the various state governments, medical fraternity, paramedical staff, armed and paramilitary forces, those associated with the aviation sector, municipal staff and others.