Covid-19: Attendance of Central Government officials-Extension in Date of validity of guidelines

Preventive measures to contain the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID- 19)- Attendance of Central Government officials – Date of validity of guidelines extended up to 31st May, 2021

F.No. 11013/9/2014-Estt. A-Tl
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions,
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 3th May 2021

Office Memorandum

Subject: Preventive measures to contain the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID- 19)- Attendance of Central Government officials-Extension in Date of validity of guidelines -regarding.

Reference is invited to O.M. of even number, dated 19th April, 2021, vide which instructions / guidelines were issued for regulating attendance in Central Government offices so as to prevent the spread of Covid 19- cases. Since the situation has not yet improved to a desirable level, it has been decided, with the approval of the Competent Authority, that the validity of the O.M. may be extended up to 31st May, 2021 or until further orders, whichever is earlier. The instructions/guidelines are reiterated below for strict compliance by all Ministries /Departments/ Offices of the Central Government:

a) Physical attendance of the officers of the level of Under Secretary or equivalent and below be restricted to 50% of the actual strength. Secretary/HoD may regulate the attendance of officials and may on administrative grounds, direct more officials to attend office. A roster may be prepared, accordingly.

b) All officers of the level of Deputy Secretary/equivalent and above are to attend office on regular basis.

c) The officers/staff shall follow staggered timings, to avoid over-crowding in offices, as indicated below:

• 9.00 A.M. to 5.30 P.M.
• 9.30 AM to 6.00 PM
• 10.00 A.M. to 6.30 P.M.

d) All officials who do not attend office on a particular day are to make themselves available on Telephone and other electronic means of communication at all times from their residence and work from home.

e) All officials residing in containment zones shall continue to be exempted from coming to office till the containment zone is de-notified.

f) Persons with Disabilities and Pregnant women employees may be exempted from attending office, but they shall continue to work from home, until further orders.

g) All officials who attend office shall strictly follow Covid-appropriate behaviour including wearing of mask, physical distancing, Use of sanitizer and frequent hand washing with soap and water.

h) Crowding in lifts, staircases, corridors, common areas, including refreshment kiosk and parking areas is to strictly avoided.

i) Meetings, as far as possible, to be conducted through video-conferencing.

j) Entry of outsiders/visitors to be curtailed appropriately.

k) In compliance of Om of even number, dated 22.4.2021, all employees of the age of 18 years and above, are advised to get themselves vaccinated.

1) Proper cleaning and frequent sanitization of workplace, particularly of the frequently touched surfaces may be ensured.

2. All Ministries/Departments/Offices as well as the Central Government employees may ensure strict compliance of the instructions on Covid-appropriate behaviour issued by MHA, MoH&FW and DoP&T, from time to time. Biometric attendance shall continue to be suspended and physical attendance registers to be maintain until further orders.

3. These guidelines shall be effective from the 1st of May, 2021

(S.P. Pant)
Deputy Secretary to Government of India
Tel 23093074

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