Pregnant women and disabled employees were exempted from coming to the office. Pregnant women and disabled employees were exempted from coming to office

Digital Desk, New Delhi. In view of the increase in the cases of corona in the country, the central government has exempted pregnant women and physically challenged employees from coming to office.

Giving information about the guidelines of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in view of the third wave of Corona epidemic, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh said on Sunday that pregnant women and differently-abled employees have been exempted from coming to office. However, they will have to remain available and work from home.

All officers and employees residing in the Containment Zone will also be exempted from coming to the office till such restrictions are removed from their area on the basis of the notification.

He said that the attendance of government officials below the rank of Under Secretary has been limited to 50 per cent of the actual strength and the remaining 50 per cent will work from home.

Accordingly, the roster will be prepared by all the concerned departments. Officers or employees who are not coming to office and working from home will be available on telephone and other electronic means of communication at all times.

In view of the rapid spread of COVID infection, Shri Singh said that an Office Memorandum (OM) issued by DoPT has advised that as far as possible official meetings will be held through video conferencing.

Similarly, personal meetings should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

The Union Minister said that to avoid overcrowding in the office premises, the officers or employees should follow the prescribed timings from 9 am to 5.30 pm and 10 am to 6.30 pm.

Meanwhile, the DoPT has advised all officers and staff to ensure standard COVID avoidance practices such as frequent hand washing or sanitisation, wearing of face masks or face covers and social distancing.

Proper cleaning and hygiene of the workplace, especially of frequently touched surfaces, can also be ensured.

He said, the guidelines issued as per the office memorandum of DoPT will be effective till January 31. In the meantime, the matter will be reviewed regularly from time to time and the guidelines may be revised as the situation warrants.

(IANS)