All Central Government Employees should download Aarogyasetu App on their mobile phones immediately - DoPT Order

All Central Government Employees should download Aarogyasetu App on their mobile phones immediately - DoPT Order

Latest DoPT Orders 2020

IMMEDIATE

F.No. 11013/9/2014-Estt (A-III)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
(Establishment, A-III Desk)

North Block, New Delhi.
Dated: 29.04.2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Effective use of 'Aarogyasetu' App for breaking the chain of transmission of COVID-19.

With reference to the subject mentioned above, the following directions may strictly be followed to improve the safety of all Government officials :

• All the officers, staff (including outsourced staff) working in Central Government should download 'Aarogyasetu' App on their mobile phones, immediately.
• Before starting for office, they must review their status on 'Aarogyasetu' and commute only when the app shows 'safe' or 'low risk' status.
• The officers / staff are advised that in case the App shows a message that he/she has a 'moderate' or 'high risk' calculated on the basis of Bluetooth proximity ("recent contact with infected person"), he/she should not come to office and self isolate for 14 days or till the status becomes 'safe' or 'low risk'.
• Joint Secretary (Administration) should ensure that above directions are strictly followed in the respective Ministry / Department.
• Ministries / Departments may issue similar instructions to all autonomous / statutory bodies, PSUs etc. attached to them.
• Report on the action taken may be sent to the undersigned.

Also check: PIL Filed for Central Government Employees Freezing DA in Supreme Court

(G. Jayanthi)
Joint Secretary to the Government of India

Source: DoPT

50 lakh compensation in cases of loss of life from COVID-19 Port workers

Rs. 50 lakh compensation declared for the Port employees / workers in case of loss of life due to COVID-19

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Shipping

28-April, 2020

Rs. 50 lakh compensation declared for the Port employees / workers in case of loss of life due to COVID-19

All port employees including contractual labourers employed directly by the Port and other contractual employees are covered
Ministry of Shipping has decided that all the Major Ports may grant compensation / Ex-Gratia in the event of loss of life due to COVID-19 to the dependent members / legal heirs of the port employees as under:

Category	Amount of compensation / Ex-Gratia (Rs.)
All Port employees including Contract Labourers employed directly by the port	50.00 Lakh
Other Contractual Labourers	50.00 Lakh

Monetary Compensation is declared to cover the risk of life due to COVID-19 contamination while discharging the Port related duty. Port Chairman is the competent authority for the settling claims / disbursement of the compensation / Ex-Gratia and verifying authority for the cause of death from COVID-19. This compensation is applicable only for the pandemic of COVID-19 and shall be in force up to 30.09.2020, subject to review thereafter.

PIB

Reporting of officers in the office of the board during the lockdown period - Railway Board Order

Reporting of officers in the office of the board during the lockdown period - Railway Board Order

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

Office Order No. 30 of 2020

Sub: Reporting of Officials in Board’s Office during lockdown period

Enclosed is a copy of DOP&T’s OM No.11013/9/ 2014-Esttt.A-IIT dated 23.04.2020 regarding attendance of Officers / Staff during the lockdown period.

2. Attention in this connection is invited to para 3 of Office Order No. 25 of 2020 and also para 2 of DOP&T’s enclosed OM for following the extant instructions in letter and spirit. While preparing the roster /asking Officials below Deputy Secretary level for reporting to Office, the guiding principle should be that only upto 33% Officials and depending on the requirement be called for working from Office and all others who are not being called at Office or are residing at Containment Zones should work from home and be available at all times on Mobile phones and other Electronic means of Communications. Officials below Deputy Secretary level should not regularly be called to avoid crowding in the Office, except in case of exigencies of work.

Latest DoPT order - Maintain 33 percent of employees attendance, roaster & work from home - Central Govt Employees April 24, 2020

3. Further, Officials may be called at staggered timings as stated in para 3 of the enclosed DOPT’s OM.

4. Based on above, if required, separate rosters may be prepared by all controlling Head of the Directorates (PEDs & EDs).

Also check: PIL Filed for Central Government Employees Freezing DA in Supreme Court

(B. Majumdar)
Joint Secretary/Railway Board

No. 2020/O0&M/9/1
Dated:- 24.04.2020

Source: Indian Railways

Freezing of DA to Tamil Nadu State Government employees and Government pensioners

Freezing of DA to Tamil Nadu State Government employees and Government pensioners

Government of Tamil Nadu
2020

FINANCE [Allowances] DEPARTMENT
G.O.Ms.No.232, Dated 27th April 2020
(Sarvari, Chithirai-14, Thiruvalluvar Aandu 2051)

ABSTRACT

Economy in Expenditure - Measures to tide over the financial constraints in view of the severe fiscal crisis arising out of COVID-19 pandemic - Freezing of Dearness Allowance to State Government employees and Government pensioners / family pensioners at current rates till July 2021 - Orders - Issued.

Read the following:-

1. G.O.Ms.No.323, Finance [Allowances] Department, dated 17-10-2019.
2. G.O.Ms.No.324, Finance [Allowances] Department, dated 17-10-2019.
3. G.O.Ms.No.327, Finance [Pension] Department, dated 21-10-2019.
4. From the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, New Delhi Office Memorandum No.1/1/2020-E-II(B), dated 23-04-2020.

ORDER:

In the Government Order first read above, orders were issued sanctioning revised rate of Dearness Allowance to State Government employees at the rate of 17 percent with effect from 1st July 2019 following the orders issued by the Government of India and in the Government Order second read above, orders were issued for another ad-hoc increase to employees drawing consolidated pay / fixed pay / Honorarium. In the Government Order third read above, orders were also issued sanctioning revised rate of Dearness Allowance to State Government pensioners/family pensioners at the rate of 17 percent with effect from 1st July 2019 following the orders issued by the Government of India.
Also check: No DA/DR to Central Government employees till July 2021

2. The Government of India, in its Office Memorandum fourth read above, has directed that in view of the crisis arising out of COVID-19, the additional installment of Dearness Allowance payable to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners, due from 1st January 2020 shall not be paid. The additional installments of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief due from 1st July 2020 and 1st January 2021 shall also not be paid. However, Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief at current rates will continue to be paid. As and when the decision to release the future installment of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief due from 1st July 2021 is taken by the Government, the rates of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief as effective from 1st January 2020, 1st July 2020 and 1st January 2021 will be restored prospectively and will be subsumed in the cumulative revised rate effective from 1st July 2021. No arrears for the period from 1st January 2020 till 30th June 2021 shall be paid.
3. The Government of Tamil Nadu has adopted the rate of Dearness Allowance to the State Government employees and Pensioners /Family Pensioners as and when announced by the Government of India to its employees and pensioners/ family pensioners.
4. Following the orders issued by the Government of India and in view of the severe fiscal crisis arising out of COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has decided to adopt the decision of the Government of India for State Government employees, teachers and Pensioners / Family Pensioners for freezing the Dearness Allowance at current rates till July 2021. The additional installment of Dearness Allowance payable to State Government employees, teachers and Government Pensioners / Family Pensioners, due from 1st January 2020 shall not be paid. The additional installments of Dearness Allowance due from 1st July 2020 and 1st January 2021 shall also not be paid. However, Dearness Allowance at current rates will continue to be paid. As and when the decision to release the future installment of Dearness Allowance due from 1st July 2021 is taken by the Government, the rates of Dearness Allowance as effective from 1st January 2020, 1st July 2020 and 1st January 2021 will be restored prospectively and will be subsumed in the cumulative revised rate effective from 1st July 2021. No arrears for the period from 1st January 2020 till 30th June 2021 shall be paid.
5. This order shall also apply to the teaching and non-teaching staff working in aided educational institutions, employees under local bodies, employees governed by the University Grants Commission / All India Council for Technical Education scales of pay, the Teachers / Physical Education Directors/Librarians in Government and Aided Polytechnics and Special Diploma Institutions, Village Assistants in Revenue Department, Noon Meal Organisers, Child Welfare Organisers, Anganwadi Workers, Cooks, Helpers, Panchayat Secretaries / Clerks in Village Panchayat under Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department and other employees drawing pay in the prescribed Level of Pay in the Special Pay Matrix.

(BY ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR)

S. KRISHNAN
ADDITIONAL CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT

No move to reduce the retirement age of central government employees to 50 years

Any attempt to reduce government employees' retirement age, nor such a plan discussed or contemplated at any level of government: Dr. Jitendra Singh

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

26-April, 2020

No move to reduce the retirement age of government employees, nor such a proposal discussed or contemplated at any level in the government: Dr Jitendra Singh

Strongly refuting the reports in a section of media that Government has moved a proposal for reducing the age of retirement of government employees to 50 years, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh categorically stated here today that there is no such move to reduce the retirement age nor has been such a proposal discussed or contemplated at any level in the government.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, there are certain motivated elements which have been over the last few days, time and again planting such disinformation in a section of media and attributing it to the government sources or DoP&T. He said, each time a prompt rebuttal is sought to be made in order to clear the confusion in the minds of stakeholders. He said, it was unfortunate that at a time when the country is going through Corona crises and the entire world is praising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his proactive handling of the pandemic, there are certain elements and vested interests which try to underplay all the good work done by the Government by planting such media stories.

On the contrary, right from the beginning of the emergence of the Corona challenge, Government and the DoP&T have, from time to time taken prompt decisions to safeguard the interests of the employees. For example, he said, even before the lockdown was officially announced, DOPT had issued an advisory for the offices to work with "absolutely necessary or minimum staff". Even though the essential services were exempted from this guideline, DOPT had issued directions to exempt the "Divyang employees even from the essential services".

Considering the constraints of the lockdown, he recalled that DOPT had postponed the last date for filling of the Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) by the government officials.
At the same time, he referred to the UPSC’s decision to reschedule the dates of IAS / Civil Services interview / personality test and also announced that the Civil Services Preliminary Test will be done after May 3rd. Similarly, on the same line, SSC has also postponed its process of recruitment.
As for the Department of Personnel in the Ministry of Personnel, Dr Jitendra Singh said that last week there was fake news that the government had decided to impose a 30% reduction in the pension and discontinue pensions for those who are above the age of 80. However, contrary to this, the truth is that on the 31st of March there was not a single pensioner whose pension did not deposit in his account. Not only this, services of the Postal Department were sought to deliver the pension amount at the residence of the pensioners, whenever required.

As for the Department of Personnel, in the last four weeks, the Ministry of Personnel has had Video Conference consultations for Pensioners and Senior Citizens across 20 cities where pulmonary advice was given by experts like Dr Randeep Guleria, Director (AIIMS). Similarly, Yoga Sessions on Webinar are also being organised.

PIB

ECHS - CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICINES SPECIAL SANCTION IN VIEW OF COVID-19 till 30 April 2020

ECHS

CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICINES SPECIAL SANCTION IN VIEW OF COVID-19 till 30 April 2020

Tele: 25683476
Mil: 36833
Central Organisation,
ECHS Adjutant General's
Branch Integrated Headquarters
Ministry of Defence (Army)
Thimayya Nlarg, Near Gopinath
Circle, Delhi Gantt-110010

B/49761/AGIECHS

24th Apr,2020

(All Regional Centres)

REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICINES SPECIAL SANCTION IN VIEW OF COVID-19

1. Further to this HQ letter No 13/49761/AG/ECHS dated 23 Mar 2020 (copy aft).
2. A onetime sanction for purchase of medicines and claim reimbursement was issued till 30 Apr 2020. in view of extended lockdown till 03 May 2020, the veterans having life style/ chronic ailments/ diseases on long treatment may purchase medicines lasting till 31 May 2020 based on the prescription held (prescribed by Polyclinic Service hospital Empanelled hospital) irrespective of NA or otherwise - Veterans need not go to Polyclinics to collect the medicines till 31 May 2020.
3. One time sanction is hereby accorded to reimburse of above expenditure under individual reimbursement of medical claims. The bills for reimbursement to be submitted by Veterans after 15 Jun 2020.
4. This will be applicable with immediate effect till 31 May 2020.

Also check: Latest DoPT order - Maintain 33 percent of employees attendance, roaster & work from home - Central Govt Employees

(Anuparn N Adhaulia)
Col
Dir (Med)
for MD ECHS

PIL Filed for Central Government Employees Freezing DA in Supreme Court

Latest Central Government Employees News

PIL Filed for Central Government Employees Freezing DA in Supreme Court

IN THE HON'BLE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA AT NEW DELHI.

PIL DATED 24th APRIL 2020 via Email regarding payment of DA or PIL DATED 24th APRIL 2020 via email regarding payment of DA or Dearness allowance with effect from 1st January 2020 atleast to veterans and to all employees if possible

Major Onkar Singh Guleria Retired, a Senior Citizen and CANCER PATIENT, aged 69 years, son of Late Shri Kikar Singh Guleria resident of village Jachh PO Jassur Tehsil Nurpur Distt Kangra Himachal Pradesh 176201.

VERSUS

1. Union of India through Secretary Finance Govt of India New Delhi 110011.
2. Union of India through Secretary Home Govt of India New Delhi 110011.

BEFORE CHIEF JUSTICE AND ALL HIS COMPANION JUSTICES OF SUPREME COURT OF INDIA TO DIRECT UNION OF INDIA TO PRACTICE WHAT PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA PREACHES TO 130 CRORES DESHWASI AND DEFREEZE DA or dearness allownce by paying with effect from 01st January 2020 to Veterans atleast if not to employees.

MOST RESPECTFULLY SHOWETH,

1. That the applicant a CANCER PATIENT, disabled of right foot and also suffering from hypertension and a Senior Citizen with no home but living in a rented building in my last span of life and also to take care of wife a senior citizen suffering from various ailments and my only source of income is my monthly military pension of the rank of Major that too on reduced scale. I and lakhs of Veterans are aggrieved by arbitrary act of Union of India through Secretary Finance Govt of India New Delhi who were committed to pay arrears of DA or dearness allowance in first week of April 2020 but purposely not payed and on 20th April 2020 has FREEZED "DA or dearness allowance" retrospectively with effect from 01st January 2020 to cause us Veterans an irreparable loss that too at a time when Pandemic of COVID 19 VIRUS (China Originated Virus in December 19) has been commiting genocide in entire world and we to survive honourably need every paisa due to us from Govt of India. I attache arbitrary orders of freezing of DA or dearness Allowances dated 20th April 2020 of Secretary Finance Govt of India as ready referance for the Hon'ble Court.

2. That DA or dearness allowance can be basically understood as a component of salary, aimed at hedging the impact of inflation. The DA or dearness allowance is calculated as a specific percentage of the basic salary which is then added to the basic salary. PENSION received by a retired individual is considered as salary and taxed as, income from salary. Generally whatever is received from the employer in cash including DA or dearness allowance is treated as salary.

3. That the Union of India itself after studying the impact of inflation had announced increased instalment of DA or dearness allowance with effect from 01st January 2020 and promised to pay its employees and Veterans receiving pension in first week of April 2020 which was illegally and arbitrarily withheld and as a afterthought issued malafied orders dated 20th April 2020 ordering of freez of DA or dearness allowance retrospectively from 01st January 2020. It has come as a big blow especially to pensioners at a time when all veterans are more vunerable to catching COVID 19 VIRUS (China Originated Virus in December 19 ) as being daily advocated by Prime Minister of India and all functionaries of Union of India and Doctors through media and advisory letters in black and white. When Union of India is doling out financial package after package from announced budget of 2020-21 in Parliament and later various stimulous financual packages gìven and planning to give to business houses for whom at drop of hat the Political and Administrative Governments of whom many are directly or indirectly associated with industry then huge financial stimulous is being passed even during this national rather international calamity of COVID 19 ( CHINA ORIGINATED VIRUS IN DECEMBER 19), Whereas, petty amount for Union of India but it is a large amount for its employees and Retired personnels who in last span of life are undergoing various hardships is being denied by freezing "DA or dearness allowance" that too retrospectively wef 01st January 2020. This arbitrary and illegal mechanical step of Union of India without applying mind must be struck down immediately and all beneficairies paid their legitmate authorised "DA or dearness allowance" wef 01st January 2020 and continued to be paid. Even Union of India has taken care of other classes of India but subjected the "MIDDLE CLASS" to this horible torture by freezing its "DA or dearness Allowances"at a time when we need every paisa in our last span of life. We by cutting our legitimate expenses have even made small contribution to "PM CARES FUND" which so far is not transparent.

Also check: Second National Judicial Pay Commission has filed the subject of Pay, Pension and Allowances, in Supreme Court on 29.01.2020

4. Then why does Prime Minister of India preaches to look after Senior citizens, not to cut salary when his own Govt is doing it. Atleast the Union of India must practice what its Prime Minster preaches.

5. Copy if this P.I.L., is being sent to all concerned by mail and all Chief Ministers are also requested to pay "DA or dearness Allowances" wef 01st January 2020 to their employees and Retired personnels."HAVES"Political and Administrative class and affluent families are nit in touch with reality. A prominent singer is heard on TV asking 130 Crore Deshwasi to donate atleast Rs.100 Per person to make it Rs13000Crores donations. Madam there are many who have not seen or handled Rs.100 note in their entire life. Then if five of family members donate then amount comes to Rs.500/- which is equivalent to one month amount given to BPL Families by Govt of India. Madam have a heart and producers allowing her to speak this in print media has never applied mind to these ground realities. Sad, how insensitive are our "HAVES"Class!

RELIEFS SOUGHT WITH SPEAKING ORDERS.

6. In the given premises it is respectfully prayed that the Hon'ble Court be pleased to direct Union of India through Secretary Finance Govt of India New Delhi and Secretary Home Govt of India to:

(A) Pay immediately "DA or dearness Allowances" to all employees and Retired personnels and same be done by respective States and Union Territories of India.

(B) Union of India be directed to immediately stop various financial stimulous package being given or are being planned to be given in near future to business houses as after freezing "DA or dearness Allowances" Union of India admits that financial health of the Nation is not sound and healthy. More over these business houses are directly or indirectly related to all Political class who like to enjoy all benefits even in national calamities. Some are seen distributing Govt or public donations of food etc to poor to ensure their own stamp on it. India with Lockdown has gone back to "SATJUG" in many ways and air and water is purified and need of the hour is purification of "HAVES", i.e., the Political cum business class. Union of India must practice what Prime Minister of India preaches to look after senior citizens and not to cut salary.

Also read: MACP ON PROMOTIONAL HIERARCHY - MACP Supreme Court Order - Heard & Reserved - Order dated 23 Jan 2020

7. Kindly direct registry to confirm receipt and action taken via revert Email.

NAMASTE INDIA! JAI HIND!

(MAJOR ONKAR SINGH GULERIA RETD)
(A CANCER PATIENT)
Mob: 7018748978, 9418009991.
Email: maj.onkarsinghguleria@gmail.com

CITU opposes the freezing of Dearness Allowance for Central Govt Employees

CITU opposes the freezing of Dearness Allowance for Central Govt Employees

CENTRE OF INDIAN TRADE UNIONS (CITU)

CITU DENOUNCES CENTRAL GOVT DECISION TO FREEZE AND CONFISCATE INCREASE IN DEARNESS ALLOWANCE FOR CENTRAL GOVT EMPLOYEES AND PENSIONERS

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions denounces the Central Govt’s decision to freeze, rather confiscate the increase in Dearness Allowance payable to Central Govt employees and pensioners falling due from January 2020 and also future dues, falling due on July 2020 and January 2021 on the plea of financial crisis arising out of COVID 19 vide Finance Ministry Order no 1/1/2020-E-II(B) dated 23rd April 2020.

No doubt, the country has been passing through a financial crisis but why should the workers and employees be made the sacrificial item for the same who themselves suffer most owing to Covid-19 followed by lockdown. Quite a number of employees are deployed and consequently are involved in various governmental activities and services meant to combat the spread of the pandemic Covid-19 especially of those departments declared as emergency services viz, health, postal, defence, railways etc. While taking such decision Govt did not bother to consult the unions and federations of the central govt employees, displaying rabid authoritarianism.

CITU strongly urges that response to financial crisis by the central govt must start with measures to garner resources where it is there aplenty at the disposal of handful of ultra rich class. As Per OXFAM Report, combined wealth amassed by only 63 billionaires in India is more that the total Union Budget in 2018-19 which was at Rs 24, 42, 200 crore. Top 10% of population cornered 77% of national wealth. Wealth of India’s richest 1 per cent is 4 times more than the bottom 70%. Govt must tap this huge accumulation of wealth with barely 5% of ultra-rich, amassed mostly through undue and illegitimate patronization of the economic policy regime, through appropriate direct taxation/wealth tax measures instead of brutally pouncing on the working peoples’ earnings and livelihood. And this right is vested with the Central Govt only

CITU strongly condemns this retrograde decision of the Central Govt to confiscate outright the legitimate dues of the employees and pensioners on account of increase in DA till January 2021, although prices of all essentials will continue to increase to further increase the profit of the big-business / corporate.

CITU demands withdrawal of this DA Confiscation order by the central government also demands that the state governments be extended financial help to enable continuity of variable DA payment to their employees. CITU calls upon the Govt employees’ movement in particular and the trade union movement in general to unitedly oppose this retrograde anti-worker measures.

(Tapan Sen)
General Secretary

Via: citucentre.org

Confederation strongly oppose to withdraw the DA & DR freezing orders of Central Government Employees

Confederation strongly oppose to withdraw the DA & DR freezing orders of Central Government Employees

Latest Central Government Employees News

Confederation firmly condemns and rejects central government's unilateral decision. We call on the Government to urgently reconsider the decision and revoke the freezing orders for DA & DR.

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT EMPLOYEES & WORKERS
1st Floor, North Avenue PO Building, New Delhi - 110001
Website: www.confederationhq.blogspot.com
Email: confederationhq@gmail.com

President
RAVI NAIR
9718686800

Secretary General
R.N. PARASHAR
9969234999

No. Confd./DA-Covid-19/2020

Dated: 24.04.2020

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS STRONGLY OPPOSE DA & DR FREEZING

Central Government’s decision to freeze three instalments of Dearness Allowance (DA) of Central Government Employees and Dearness Relief (DR) of Pensioners from 01.01.2020 to 30.06.2021 is a severe and unexpected blow to the Central Government Employees and Pensioners. Already most of the Central Government employees and Pensioners have contributed one day’s salary and Pension to PM CARES Fund.

Confederation strongly oppose and protest the unilateral decision of the Central Government. We demand the Government to review the decision immediately and withdraw the DA & DR freezing orders.

Also check: Government to withdraw the freezing of DA will have a serious impact of the HRA of the Central Govt employees

Confederation CHQ is in touch with National Council (JCM) Staff Side Secretary and other leaders. Efforts are being made to arrive at a united stand and convey the same to Government through Secretary, JCM Staff Side. Detailed statement of Confederation will be issued shortly.

R.N.PARASHAR
sd/-
Secretary General
Confederation of CGE& Workers

Source : Confederation

Government to withdraw the freezing of DA will have a serious impact of the HRA of the Central Govt employees

Government to withdraw the freezing of DA will have a serious impact of the HRA of the Central Govt employees

Latest Central Government Employees News

The freezing of Dearness Allowance would have a serious effect on Central Govt Employees HRA. Pursuant to recommendations from the 7th CPC and as approved by the Govt.The HRA rates in "X" cities will be revised from 24% to 27% and in "Y" cities from 16% to 18% and in "Z" cities from 8% to 9%.

No.NC-JCM-2020/CS/PM April 23, 2020
The Cabinet Secretary
Government of India,
Cabinet Secretariat
Rashtrapati Bhawan,
New Delhi

Sub: Protest against freezing of Dearness Allowance to Central Government Employees and Dearness Relief to Central Government Pensioners.

Ref: Department of Expenditure OM No.1/ 1/2020-E-ll(B), Dt: 23/04/2020

Dear Sir,
The constituent organizations of the National Council (JCM) are very much shocked to note the arbitrary decision taken by the Government to freeze the DA to Central Govt.Employees and Dearness Relief to the Central Govt. Pensioners up to 30/06/2021. Before taking such a major policy decision the Govt. has not bothered to consult the staff side of the NC(JCM) and without even hearing the views of the staff side, the decision taken especially on a policy matter which effects the wages of the employees and the pension of the senior citizens is against the spirit of the JCM scheme. The entire 48 lakh Central Govt. Employees (including Armed Forces Personnel) and the 65 lakh Pensioners are very much disappointed against the most drastic decision taken by the Govt. against is own employees.

The Central Govt. and State Govt. employees are the one who are playing their front line role in the fight against COVID-19 Virus, by taking all risk and working in the field exposing themselves without any sufficient Personal Protective Equipment. The Railway employees, Defence Civilian employees, Postal employees and all other Central Govt. employees have already contributed their one day wages to the PM-CARES Fund. The Ordnance Factory Employees have contributed their two days wages, In the Railways , Employees belonging to different categories are deployed for various activities such as PW Tracks, signaling, Electrical and Mechanical assets, cenrunning freight trains, parcels special trains, Transport essential goods etc. Almost all the Central Government Departments are involved in one or other activities during the entire lockdown period. The Ordnance Factory Employees are directly involved in manufacturing of various Protective Equipment required for the Doctors, Nurses & Health Care Workers and for other Civil Authorities. Ignoring all these contribution of the Govt. Employees, the Govt. is targeting them on the plea of  crisis arising out of COVID- 19″.

The Staff side of the National Council (JCM) is of the first view that the 48 Lakh Central Govt. Employees (including Armed Forces Personnel) and 65 lakh Pensioners do not deserve such a treatment from the Government.

A part from that many of all our affiliates of JCM Staff Side have contributed to PM-CARES Fund crores of rupees. As well as they are providing shelter, Food , Transport etc to mitigate the problem of poor employees I workers who have lost their job and everything in this Lockdown.

Moreover the freezing of DA will have a serious impact of the HRA of the Central Govt. employees. In accordance with 7th CPC recommendations and as approved by the Govt. the HRA rates will be revised from 24% to 27% in “X” cities, and from 16% to 18% in “Y” Cities and 8% to 9% in “Z” cities.

The manner in which the price for the essential commodities are rocketing sky high, DA is expected to cross 25% from 01/07/2020 on wards. Since the DA is freezed the employees will loose this hike in the HRA also.

You will appreciate that the Pensioners who are senior citizens are most vulnerable in the fight of the COVID-19 virus and any stoppage of DA in their case at this juncture is not an appreciable decision on the part of the Government.

The decision of the Govt. has subjected the Central Govt. Employees and the Pensioners to unnecessary financial hardship and mental agony when they all are on the field fighting from the front line against the spread of COVID-19 Virus through various official activities.

Therefore we request you to convey our feelings to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and also our request to reconsider the above decision of the Govt. and withdraw the same, so as to motivate the Central Govt. employees to perform their responsibilities, especially in this crisis period.

Yours faithfully,

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Secretary

Source: http://ncjcmstaffside.com/

Maintain 33% of employees attendance, roaster & work from home - DoPT Order 2020

Latest DoPT Orders 2020

Accordingly, correct Roster Can be drawn up by the Heads of Department. Needless to say, officials / staff employed at home on a specific day should always be accessible by telephone and electronic means of communication

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

North Block, New Delhi.
Dated the 23 April, 2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19

The undersigned is directed to refer to O.M of even number dated 17th March, 2020 on the above-mentioned subject. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) vide its Order dated 15.4.2020 has now extended the nationwide lockdown till 3rd May, 2020 to contain spread of Coronavirus in the country and has issued the consolidated revised guidelines for strict compliance. Para 18(ii) of these consolidated revised guidelines, inter-alia, provide that all officers of the level of Deputy Secretaries & above are to function with 100% attendance while 33% of the remaining officers/staff are to attend offices as per requirement.

Also check: No DA/DR & No Arrears to Central Government employees till July 2021

2. The spirit of the guidelines is that crowding in the offices may be avoided and safe social distancing norms may be maintained. It is, however, seen that in some Ministries/ Departments, more than 33% of officials /staff below Deputy Secretary level are being called to offices. This might lead to undesirable crowding in the office jeopardizing the preventive measures in place for containing the spread of COVID-19.

3. It is reiterated that guidelines for attendance for officers/staff at levels below Deputy Secretary, be strictly followed. Heads of Departments (HoDs) may also direct their officers/staff to attend office in staggered timings to further avoid crowding in offices/work spaces. As suggested vide O.M. of even number dated 19th March, 2020, the staggered timings may be as follows :-

(a) 9.00 am. to 5.30 p.m.
(b) 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
(c) 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Suitable Roster May, accordingly, be drawn up by the Heads of Department. Needless to say that officials/ staff working from home on a particular day should be available on telephone and electronic means of communications at all times. They should attend office, if called for any exigencies of work.

Sd/-
(Umesh Kumar Bhatia)
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India

Source: DoPT

Freezing of DA/DR to Central Government employees till July 2021 - DoPT Order

Latest Central Government Employees News Today

No. 1/1/2020-E- II(B)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 23rd April, 2020.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Freezing of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners at current rates till July 2021.

The undersigned is directed to say that in view of the crisis arising out of COVID-19, it has been decided that the additional installment of Dearness Allowance payable to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners, due from 1st January 2020 shall not be paid. The additional installments of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief due from 1st July 2020 and 1st January 2021 shall also not be paid. However, Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief at current rates will continue to be paid.

2. As and when the decision to release the future installment of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief due from 1st July 2021 is taken by the Government, the rates of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief as effective from 1st January 2020, 1st July 2020 and 1st January 2021 will be restored prospectively and will be subsumed in the cumulative revised rate effective from 1st July 2021. No arrears for the period from 1st January 2020 till 30th June 2021 shall be paid.

No DA Hike for central government employees due to economic pain from the coronavirus pandemic spread

3. These orders shall be applicable to all Central Government employees and Central Government pensioners.

(Annie George Mathew)
Additional Secretary to the Government of India

Download Order

No benchmark grades shall be listed below in ACRs for the period before 2008-09 - DoPT Order

Latest DoPT Orders 2020

Below benchmark ACRs prior to the reporting period 2008-09 need to be disclosed to the officer reported upon for his representation, as are reckonable for assessment of fitness in future DPCs

No.43012/1/2015-Esttt.(A-II)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 21st April, 2020

Office Memorandum

Subject : Disclosure of below benchmark grading in ACRs prior to the reporting period 2008-09 and objective consideration of representation by the competent authority against remarks in the ACR or for upgradation of the final grading.

The Department of Personnel & Training had vide OM No. 21011 /1/2005-Estt (A) (Pt-II) dated 14.05.2009, issued instructions regarding maintenance and preparation of Annual Performance Appraisal Reports. It was inter-alia stated therein that full APAR, including the overall grading and assessment of integrity, shall be communicated to the concerned officer. The new system of communicating entries in the APAR was made applicable prospectively with effect from the reporting period 2008-09.

Also check: Retirement of Government Employees on 31st March 2020

2. Subsequently, this Department vide O.M. No.21011/1/ 2010-Estt.A dated 13.04.2010 issued instructions regarding disclosure of below benchmark gradings in ACRs of the period prior to 2008-09, providing that if an employee is to be considered for promotion in a future DPC and his ACRs prior to the period 2008-09, which would be reckonable for assessment of his fitness in such future DPCs, contain final grading which are below benchmark. for his next promotion, before such ACRs are placed before the DPC, the concerned employee will be given a copy of the relevant ACR for his representation, if any, within 15 days of such communication. It was clearly stated therein that only below benchmark ACR for the period relevant to promotion need be sent to the officer reported upon and there is no need to send below benchmark ACRs of other years.

3. References are being received in this Department from various Ministries / Departments seeking comments / views on disclosure of below benchmark ACRs of the period prior to 2008-09, which have already been considered by DPC prior to 13.04.2010, for promotion to a post/ grade, for a representation and holding review DPC after due consideration of such representation.

4. The matter has been considered in this Department and it is felt that acceding to the request for disclosure of below benchmark gradings in ACRs for the period prior to 2008-09 will open flood gates and a large number of employees, both serving and retired, may come up with a request for disclosure of their ACRs of old periods, resulting into administrative difficulties and chaos. It is, therefore, reiterated that only such below benchmark ACRs prior to the reporting period 2008-09 need to be disclosed to the officer reported upon for his representation, as are reckonable for assessment of fitness in future DPCs. In other words, below benchmark grading in the ACRs for the period prior to 2008-09 need not be disclosed to the officer reported upon, if the same are not reckonable for future DPCs.

5. This Department may be consulted in case of any deviation from the aforesaid instructions.

(Kabindra Joshi)
Director (E-II)

Download Order

Attendance report during lockdown (20.04.2020 to 03.05.2020)

Latest Central Government Employees News Today

Attendance report during lockdown from 20th April to 3rd May, 2020 - COVID-19

F.No. C-35021(1)/MF.CGA/ ADMN/2020/ 2006
O/O CONTROLLER GENERAL OF ACCOUNTS
MINISTRY Of FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE

NEW DELHI,

Dated: 21.04.2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Attendance report during lockdown ( 20.04.2020 to 03.05.2020) - reg.

With reference to the Ministry of Finance, D/o, D/o Expenditure OM No. A- 60011/21/2019-Ad.J dated 20.04.2020, all Jt. Controller General of Accounts are requested to arrange to provide attendance statement in respect of their verticals, in the following format so that a compiled report could be sent to M/o Finance:

Sl. No.

Unit / Section Name

Name of Officers/ Officials

Designation

Attendance statement may be sent to Administration positively by 1.00 P.M. on every working day at admn3-cga[at]gov.in.

Also read: Exemption to employees to mark biometric attendance in Aadhar Based Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS)

Attendance statement for 20th and 21st April 2020 may however kindly be sent by 3.30 P.M. today for onward submission of compiled report.

Also check: Request for relaxation in compassionate appointment – Deaths due to COVID-19

Sr. Accounts Officer (Admn)

Via: Central government news

PIB - No proposal for reduction of pension, says Government

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

19-April, 2020

No proposal for reduction of pension, says Government

It has come to the notice of the Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare of the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension that in the wake of the current pandemic, Covid-19 and the ensuing economic scenario, many rumours are afloat that the Government is contemplating a reduction / stoppage of Pension which has become a source of worry for the Pensioners.

As clarified earlier, it is being reiterated that there is no such proposal for reduction of pension and no action is contemplated by the Government in this respect. Instead, the Government is committed for the welfare and well being of the pensioners.

No DA Hike for central government employees due to economic pain from the coronavirus pandemic spread

PIB

Review of Modified Flexible Complementing Scheme - MFCS

Latest DoPT Orders 2020

F. No. AB-14017/41/2013-Estt.RR
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel. Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
Estt. RR Section

North Block, New Delhi
dated 16 04.2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: - Review of Modified Flexible Complementing Scheme (MFCS) - reg.

As the Scientific Ministries / Departments are aware a Committee under former Secretary, Department of Bio-Technology, Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan, was constituted to review the Modified Flexible Complimentary Scheme (MFCS). A proposal based on the recommendations of this Committee was considered by the Committee of Secretaries (CoS), constituted to frame comprehensive and uniform guidelines relating to promotion of scientists In Scientific Ministries and Departments, in its meeting held on 20th February 2020.

2. The CoS has inter-alia recommended as under:

• Ministries / Departments may carefully rework the Output Indicators so as to simplify and streamline them. Qualitative dimensions may also be captured so that excellence of a Scientist is brought out and only the deserving Scientists get promoted.
• Ministries / Departments may ensure that all promotions under MFCS are held timely so that the issue of granting retrospective promotion does not arise.
• Number of posts required at HAG / HAG+ level may be worked out individually at the Ministry / Department level looking at the organizational structure and their specific requirements. Cadre review exercise may accordingly be undertaken.

3. All Scientific Ministries / Departments are accordingly requested to take necessary action as per the above recommendations of the CoS and furnish an Action Taken Report to this Department by 31.05.2020.

sd/-
(Shukdeo)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Source: DoPT

Closure of Departmental Canteens - Preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID19

Latest news for central govt employees today

No. 11013/9/2014- Estt. (AIII)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi
20th April, 2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 - Closure of Departmental Canteens.

It has been decided with the approval of competent authority that all the Departmental Canteens in Central Government Ministries / Departments / Offices shall be closed with immediate effect.

2. All the Ministries / Departments / Offices are requested not to open the canteens until further orders.

Latest DoPT Orders 2020

Also check: All Officers / Staff should wear Safety Mask at all times while in Office for the spread of COVID-19

(A.Bhattacharya)
Deputy Secretary

To

1. All the Ministries / Departments of the Government of India
2. PMO / Cabinet Secretariat
3. PS to MoS (PP)
4. PSO to Secretary(Personnel)
5. Sr.Technical Director, NIC, DoPT

Copy to:

1. Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, North Block, New Delhi.

Source: DoPT

Consolidated Instructions on procedure to be adopted for making appointments on deputation basis - Crucial date for determining the age-limit

Latest DoPT Orders 2020

Misc-14017/06/2019- Estt.(RR)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training

North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 16th April, 2020

Office Memorandum

Subject: Consolidated Instructions on procedure to be adopted for making appointments on deputation basis - Crucial date for determining the age-limit - reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to DoPT OM AB-14017/71/89- Estt.RR dated 03.10.1989 prescribing the procedure / guidelines to be followed in cases where appointment is to be made on deputation basis. The relevant para of the aforesaid OM, prescribing crucial data for determination of eligibility, reads as under:

6.1 Where a post is required to be filled by transfer on deputation (including short term contract) / transfer, it is normally laid down in the recruitment rules that officers holding posts in a particular scale of pay who have completed specified years of regular service in the scale are eligible to be considered. The crucial date for determination of eligibility will be as follows:


i) In the case of a vacancy already existing at the time of issue of the communication inviting nominations, the eligibility may be determined with reference to the last date prescribed for receipt of nominations in the Ministry / Departments / Organization responsible for making appointment to the post i.e. originating Ministry etc.

ii) In the case of an anticipated vacancy the crucial date for determining eligibility should be the date on which the vacancy is expected to arise.

Revised Rotational Transfer Policy applicable to CSS officers

2. These instructions were subsequently modified vide DoPT OM No AB.14017/49/92- Estt. (RR) dated 15.06.1993, to provide for the crucial date for determination of eligibility in cases of composite method of recruitment. Clarifications on the subject have also been provided in the replies to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), issued from time to time.

3. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), while considering a case of appointment on deputation basis, observed that some Ministries/ Departments were not adhering to the aforesaid instructions on determination of eligibility and the crucial date for appointment on deputation basis.

4. Accordingly, the instructions regarding crucial date for determination of eligibility for appointment on deputation basis and through the composite method (deputation / promotion), as provided in OMs dated 3.10.1989 and 15.6.1993, are hereby reiterated, with further advice to all Ministries / Departments to strictly adhere to these guidelines while making appointments to various posts under their administrative control.

(Shukdeo Sah)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Source: DoPT

Inclusion of "Third Gender/any Other Category" in the application forms in recruitment to various posts under the Central Government

Latest DoPT Orders 2020

F. No.39028/02/2016 - Estt(B)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training

North Block, New Delhi,
Dated 20th April 2020

Office Memorandum

Subject: Inclusion of "Third Gender/any Other Category" in the application forms in recruitment to various posts under the Central Government - reg.

The undersigned is directed to say that "The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019" was passed by both Houses of the Parliament and received the assent of the President on 05.12.2019. This Act (No. 40 of 2019) has been notified in the Gazette of India on 05.12.2019.

2. The matter regarding Inclusion of "Third Gender/any Other Category" in the application forms in recruitment to various posts under the Central Government, was under consideration of the Government for quite some time. Based on the provisions of the aforesaid Act and the legal opinion obtained on the subject, Civil Services Examination Rules, 2020 have been notified on 05.02.2020, providing for inclusion of 'Transgender' as a separate category of gender for the said exam.

Also check: No DA Hike for central government employees due to economic pain from the coronavirus pandemic spread

3. All Ministries / Departments of Government of India are requested to modify the relevant examination rules providing for inclusion of 'Transgender' as a separate category of gender, so as to make the said Rules in conformity with the provisions of The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019.

(Rajbir Singh)
Under Secretary to the Government of India)
Tel No.: 2309 3175

Source: DoPT

IMPORTANT CIRCULAR - MHA Order - CGDA - Revised consolidated guidelines during the lockdown period

AN/I/Covid-19/2020

OFFICE OF THE PR. CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSIONS)
DRAUPADI GHAT, ALLAHAI3AD - 211 014,

Dated 17.04.2020

IMPORTANT CIRCULAR

To,
The All Group Officers / Officer in-charge Section, (Local)

Sub : Preventive Measures to contain the spread of (COVID-19).

As per directions issued by the Govt. of India, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), New Delhi Order
No.40-3/2020-DM-l(A) dated 15.04.2020: and Ministry of Defence, Office Order F.No.A-50024/01/2020-D (Estt.I/Gp.1) dated 15.04.2020, the CGDA I- IQrs Office, Delhi has issued guidelines vide their letter No.AN/III/3012/ Circular No.VIII dated 16.04.2020 (available on the CGDA website) for strict implementation of the revised consolidated guidelines during the lockdown period which will continue to be remain in force upto 3rd May 2020.

2. In view of the above, the Office will remain open without any restriction during the lockdown period w.e.f. 20.04.2020 subject to compliance of all instructions contained in the said Order of the MHA. All the Group Officers and Officer in Charge of Sections will ensure that the above instructions are followed scrupulously. In this regard necessary instructions in addition to the above guidelines are enclosed as Annexure-I.

3. While opening the Office w.e.f. 20.04.2020, it may be ensured that working hours for all employees who attend office should be staggered, therefore, suggested that two rosters of employees may be formed and asked to attend office as per the following timings in such a manner that 50% of employees attend office in 1st Shift and 50% in 2nd Shift:- a. 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. b. 10.30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.

Necessary precautionary arrangements for disinfection of office premises, availability of sanitizers etc have been made for employees.

Encl. Annexure I

(Navpreet Kaur)
Jt.CDA(AN)

Annexure-I

NECESSARY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Large gathering or meeting i.e. more than 3-4 persons even during tea break must be avoided.
2. Work places shall have a gap of one hour and will stagger the lunch breaks of staff to ensure social distancing.
3. Pan Masala, Gutkha and Spitting at work place and in office premises is strictly banned and Rs.500/- fine will be imposed if anyone found doing so.
4. In case any employee is unwell, has dry cough, difficulty in breathing etc, he/ she or his/ her colleagues should immediately bring it to the notice of administration through Welfare Section.
5. All the Officers and Staff are advised to download the Arogya Setu App.
6. Sections are advised to ensure seating at least 6 feet away from each other.
7. It is advised to use staircases in place of lifts.
8. Norms of social distancing as issued by the Govt. of India may be followed.
9. All the officers and staff are requested to co-operate with thermal scanning arrangement at entry points of the office of the PCDA(P) and follow social distancing norms during thermal scanning process.

Sr. Accounts Officer (AN)

Revised guidelines for Covid 19 lockdown released by the MHA Order

Consolidated Revised Guidelines on the measures to be taken by Ministries /Departments of Government of India, State / UT Governments and State / UT authorities for containment of COVID-19 in the country

[As per Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Order No. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 15th April, 2020]

No.40-3/2020-DM-I(A)
Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs

North Block, New Delhi-110001
Dated 15th April 2020

ORDER

Whereas, in exercise of the powers, conferred under Section 10(2)(1)of the Disaster Management Act 2005, the undersigned, in his capacity as Chairperson, National Executive Committee, has issued an Order dated 14th April, 2020 that the lock down measures stipulated in the Consolidated Guidelines of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for containment of COVID-19 epidemic in the country, will continue to remain in force upto 3rd May, 2020 to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country;
Whereas, to mitigate hardship to the public, select additional activities will be allowed, which will come into effect from 20th April, 2020. However, these additional activities will be operationalized by States / Union Territories (UTs)/ District Administrations based on strict compliance to the existing guidelines on lockdown measures. Before operating these relaxations, States / UTs/ District Administrations shall ensure that all preparatory arrangements with regard to social distancing in offices, workplaces, factories and establishments, as also other sectoral requirements are in place. The consolidated revised guidelines incorporating these relaxations are enclosed;

Whereas, the consolidated revised guidelines will not apply in containment zones, as demarcated by States / UTs/ District administrations. If any new area is included in the category of a containment zone, the activities allowed in that area till the time of its categorization as a containment zone, will be suspended except for those activities as are specifically permitted under the guidelines of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India;

Whereas, in exercise of the powers, conferred under Section 10(2)(1)of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the undersigned, in his capacity as Chairperson, National Executive Committee, hereby issues directions to all the all Ministries/ Departments of Government of India, State/Union Territory Governments and State/Union Territory Authorities for the strict implementation of enclosed consolidated revised guidelines.

sd/-
Union Home Secretary

Also check: List of central government offices will remain open on 20th April, 2020

As per the revised guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 15 April 2020:

• All domestic and international air travel of passengers, except for purposes enumerated in para 4 (ix), and for security purposes.
• All passenger movement by trains, except for security purposes.
• Buses for public transport.
• Metro rail services.
• Inter-district and inter-State movement of individuals except for medical reasons or for activities permitted under these guidelines.
• All educational, training, coaching institutions etc. shall remain closed.
• All industrial and commercial activities other than those specifically permitted under these guidelines.
• Hospitality services other than those specifically permitted under these guidelines.
• Taxis (including auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws) and services of cab aggregators.
• All cinema halls, malls. shopping complexes, gymnasiums, sports complexes, swimming pools, entertainment parks. theaters, bars and auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places
• All social/ political/ sports/ entertainment/ academic/ cultural/ religious
  functions/ other gatherings.
• All religious places/ places of worship shall be closed for public. Religious congregations are strictly prohibited
• In case of funerals, congregation of more than twenty persons will not be permitted.

2. Operation of guidelines in Hotspots and containment zones

1. ‘Hotspots’, i.e., areas of large COVID-19 outbreaks, or clusters with significant spread of COVID-19, will be determined as per the guidelines issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India (GoI).
2. In these hotspots, containment zones will be demarcated by States UTs
   District administrations as per the guidelines of MoHFW.
3. In these containment zones, the activities allowed under these guidelines will not be permitted. There shall be strict perimeter control in the area of the containment zones to ensure that there is no unchecked inward outward movement of population from these zones except for maintaining essential services (including medical emergencies and law and order related duties) and Government business continuity. The guidelines issued in this regard by MoHFW will be strictly implemented by State/ UT Governments and the local district authorities.

3. Select permitted activities allowed with effect from 20th April, 2020:

• i. To mitigate hardship to the public, select additional activities have been allowed which will come into effect from 20th April, 2020. These limited exemptions will be operationalized by States / UTs/ district administrations based on strict compliance to the existing guidelines. Also, before allowing these select additional activities, States / UTs/ district administrations shall ensure that all preparatory arrangements with regard to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for social distancing in offices, workplaces, factories and establishments, as also other sectoral requirements are in place.
• ii. The consolidated revised guidelines incorporating these select permitted activities have been enumerated in paras 5-20 below.

4. Strict enforcement of the lockdown guidelines

• i. State/ UT Governments shall not dilute these guidelines issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, in any manner, and shall strictly enforce the same.
• ii. State/ UT Governments, may, however, impose stricter measures than these guidelines as per requirement of the local areas.

5. All health services (including AYUSH)to remain functional, such as:

• i. Hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, telemedicine facilities.
• ii. Dispensaries, chemists, pharmacies, all kinds of medicine shops including
  Jan Aushadhi Kendras and medical equipment shops.
• iii. Medical laboratories and collection centres.
• iv. Pharmaceutical and medical research labs, institutions carrying out COVID-19 related research.
• v. Veterinary Hospitals, dispensaries, clinics, pathology labs, sale and supply of vaccine and medicine.
• vi. Authorised private establishments, which support the provisioning of essential services, or efforts for containment of COVID-19, including home care providers, diagnostics, supply chain firms serving hospitals.
• vii. Manufacturing units of drugs, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, medical oxygen, their packaging material, raw material and intermediates.
• viii. Construction of medical health infrastructure including manufacture of ambulances.
• ix. Movement (inter and intra State, including by air) of all medical and veterinary personnel, scientists, nurses, para-medical staff, lab technicians, mid-wives and other hospital support services, including ambulances.

6. Agricultural and related activities:
A. All agricultural and horticultural activities to remain fully functional, such as:

• i. Farming operations by farmers and farm workers in field.
• ii. Agencies engaged in procurement of agriculture products, including MSP operations.
• iii. ‘Mandis’ operated by the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) or as notified by the State / UT Government (e.g., satellite mandis). Direct marketing operations by the State/ UT Government or by industry, directly from farmers / group of farmers, FPOs’ co-operatives etc. States/ UTs may promote decentralized marketing and procurement at village level.
• iv. Shops of agriculture machinery, its spare parts (including its supply chain) and repairs to remain open.
• v. ‘Custom Hiring Centres (CHC), related to farm machinery.
• vi. Manufacturing, distribution and retail of fertilizers, pesticides and seeds.
• vii. Movement (inter and intra State) of harvesting and sowing related machines like combined harvester and other agriculture/ horticulture implements.

B. Fisheries – the following activities will be functional:

• i. Operations of the fishing (marine and inland)/ aquaculture industry, including feeding & maintenance, harvesting, processing, packaging, cold chain, sale and marketing.
• ii. Hatcheries, feed plants, commercial aquaria.
• iii. Movement of fish/ shrimp and fish products, fish seed/ feed and workers for all these activities.

C. Plantations- the following activities will be functional:

• i. Operations of tea, coffee and rubber plantations, with maximum of 50% workers.
• ii. Processing, packaging, sale and marketing of tea, coffee, rubber and cashew, with maximum of 50% workers.

D. Animal husbandry – the following activities will be functional:

• i. Collection, processing, distribution and sale of milk and milk products by milk processing plants, including transport and supply chain.
• ii. Operation of animal husbandry farms including poultry farms & hatcheries and livestock farming activity.
• iii. Animal feed manufacturing and feed plants, including supply of raw material, such as maize and soya.
• iv. Operation of animal shelter homes, including Gausha/as.

7. Financial sector: following to remain functional:

• i. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and RBI regulated financial markets and entities like NPCI, CCll, payment system operators and standalone primary dealers.
• ii. Bank branches and ATMs, IT vendors for banking operations, Banking
  Correspondents (BCs), ATM operation and cash management agencies.
• a. Bank branches be allowed to work as per normal working hours till disbursal of DBT cash transfers is complete.
• b. local administration to provide adequate security personnel at bank branches and BCs to maintain social distancing, law and order and staggering of account holders.
• iii. SEBI, and capital and debt market services as notified by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
• iv. IRDAI and Insurance companies.

8. Social sector: following to remain functional:

• i. Operation of homes for children/ disabled/ mentally challenged/ senior citizens/ destitutes/ women/ widows.
• ii. Observation homes, after care homes and places of safety for juveniles.
• iii. Disbursement of social security pensions, e.g., old agel widow/ freedom fighter pensions; pension and provident fund services provided by Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
• iv. Operation of Anganwadis – distribution of food items and nutrition once in 15 days at the doorsteps of beneficiaries, e.g., children, women and lactating mothers. Beneficiaries will not attend the Anganwadis.

9. Online teaching and distance learning to be encouraged:

• i. All educational, training, coaching institutions etc. shall remain closed.
• ii. However, these establishments are expected to maintain the academic schedule through online teaching.
• iii. Maximum use of Doordarshan (DO) and other educational channels may be made for teaching purposes.

10. MNREGA works to be allowed:

• i. MNREGA works are allowed with strict implementation of social distancing and face mask.
• ii. Priority to be given under MNREGA to irrigation and water conservation works.
• iii. Other Central and State sector schemes in irrigation and water conservation sectors may also be allowed to be implemented and suitably dovetailed with MNREGA works.

11. Public utilities: following to remain functional:

• i. Operations of Oil and Gas sector, including refining, transportation, distribution, storage and retail of products, e.g., petrol, diesel, kerosene, CNG, LPG, PNG etc.
• ii. Generation, transmission and distribution of power at Central and Statel UT levels.
• iii. Postal services, including post offices.
• iv. Operations of utilities in water, sanitation and waste management sectors, at municipal/ local body levels in States and UTs.
• v. Operation of utilities providing telecommunications and internet services.

12. Movement, loading / unloading of goods / cargo (inter and intra State) is allowed, as under:

• i. All goods traffic will be allowed to ply.
• ii. Operations of Railways: Transportation of goods and parcel trains.
• iii. Operations of Airports and related facilities for air transport for cargo movement, relief and evacuation.
• iv. Operations of Seaports and Inland Container Depots (ICDs) for cargo transport, including authorized custom clearing and forwarding agents.
• v. Operations of Land Ports for cross land border transportation of essential goods, including petroleum products and LPG, food products, medical supplies.
• vi. Movement of all trucks and other goods/ carrier vehicles with two drivers and one helper subject to the driver carrying a valid driving license; an empty truck vehicle will be allowed to ply after the delivery of goods, or for pick up of goods.
• vii. Shops for truck repairs and dhabas on highways, with a stipulated minimum distance as prescribed by the State/ UT authorities.
• viii. Movement of staff and contractual labour for operations of railways, airports/ air carriers, seaports/ ships/ vessels, landports and ICDs is allowed on passes being issued by the local authority on the basis of authorizations issued by the respective designated authority of the railways, airports, seaports, land ports and ICDs.

13. Supply of essential goods is allowed, as under:

• i. All facilities in the supply chain of essential goods, whether involved in manufacturing, wholesale or retail of such goods through local stores, large brick and mortar stores or e-Commerce companies should be allowed to operate, ensuring strict social distancing without any restriction on their timing of opening and closure.
• ii. Shops (including Kirana and single shops selling essential goods) and carts, including ration shops (under PDS), dealing with food and groceries (for daily use), hygiene items, fruits and vegetables, dairy and milk booths, poultry, meat and fish, animal feed and fodder etc, should be allowed to operate, ensuring strict social distancing without any restriction on their timing of opening and closure.
• iii. District authorities may encourage and facilitate home delivery to minimize the movement of individuals outside their homes.

14. Commercial and private establishments, as listed below, will be allowed to operate:

• i. Print and electronic media including broadcasting, DTH and cable services. ii. IT and IT enabled Services, with upto 50% strength.
  iii. Data and call centres for Government activities only.
• iv. Government approved Common Service Centres (CSCs) at Gram Panchayat level.
• v. E-commerce companies. Vehicles used bye-commerce operators will be allowed to ply with necessary permissions.
• vi. Courier services.
• vii. Cold storage and warehousing services, including at ports, airports, railway stations, container Depots, individual units and other links in the logistics chain.
• viii. Private security services and facilities management services for maintenance and upkeep of office and residential complexes.
• ix. Hotels, home stays, lodges and motels, which are accommodating tourists and persons stranded due to lock down, medical and emergency staff, air and sea crew.
• x. Establishments used earmarked for quarantine facilities.
• xi. Services provided by self-employed persons, e.g., electrician, IT repairs, plumbers, motor mechanics, and carpenters.

15. Industries / Industrial Establishments (both Government and private), as listed below, will be allowed to operate:

• Industries operating in rural areas, i.e., outside the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities.
• Manufacturing and other industrial establishments with access control in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Oriented Units (EoUs), industrial estates, and industrial townships. These establishments shall make arrangements for stay of workers within their premises as far as possible and or adjacent buildings and for implementation of the Standard operating protocol (SOP) as referred to in para 21 (ii) below. The transportation of workers to work place shall be arranged by the employers in dedicated transport by ensuring social distancing.
• Manufacturing units of essential goods, including drugs, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, their raw material and intermediates.
• Food processing industries in rural areas, i.e., outside the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities.
• Production units, which require continuous process, and their supply chain.
• Manufacturing of IT hardware.
• Coal production, mines and mineral production, their transportation, supply of explosives and activities incidental to mining operations.
• Manufacturing units of packaging material.
• Jute industries with staggered shifts and social distancing.
• Oil and gas exploration refinery.
• Brick kilns in rural areas i.e., outside the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities.

16. Construction activities, listed as below, will be allowed to operate:

• Construction of roads, irrigation projects, buildings and all kinds of industrial projects, including MSMEs, in rural areas, i.e., outside the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities; and all kinds of projects in industrial estates.
• Construction of renewable energy projects.
• Continuation of works in construction projects, within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities, where workers are available on site and no workers are required to be brought in from outside (in situ construction).

17. Movement of persons is allowed in the following cases:

• Private vehicles for emergency services, including medical and veterinary care, and for procuring essential commodities. In such cases, one passenger besides the private vehicle driver can be permitted in the backseat, in case of four-wheeler ; however, in case of two-wheeler, only the driver of the vehicle is to be permitted.

All personnel travelling to place of work and back in the exempted categories, as per the instructions of the State/ UT local authority.
18. Offices of the Government of India, its Autonomous / Subordinate Offices will remain open, as mentioned below:

• Defence, Central Armed Police Forces, Health and Family Welfare, Disaster management and Early Warning Agencies (IMD, INCOIS, SASE and National Centre of Seismology, CWC), National Informatics Centre (NIC), Food Corporation of India (FCI), NCC, Nehru Yuva Kendras (NYKs) and Customs to function without any restriction.
• Other Ministries and Departments, and offices under their control, are to function with 100% attendance of Deputy Secretary and levels above that. Remaining officers and staff to attend upto 33% as per requirement.

19. Offices of the Statel Union Territory Governments, their Autonomous Bodies and Local Governments will remain open, as mentioned below:

• Police, home guards, civil defence, fire and emergency services, disaster management, prisons and municipal services will function without any restrictions.
• All other Departments of State/ UT Governments to work with restricted staff. Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ officers may attend as required. Group ‘C’ and levels below that may attend upto 33% of strength, as per requirement to ensure social distancing. However, delivery of public services shall be ensured, and necessary staff will be deployed for such purpose.
• District administration and Treasury (including field offices of the Accountant General) will function with restricted staff. However, delivery of public services shall be ensured, and necessary staff will be deployed for such purpose.
• iv. Resident Commissioner of States/ UTs, in New Delhi, only to the extent of coord inating COVI 0-19 related activities and internal kitchen operations.
• Forest offices: staff/ workers required to operate and maintain zoo, nurseries, wildlife, fire-fighting in forests, watering plantations, patrolling and their necessary transport movement.

20. Persons to remain under mandatory quarantine, as under:

• All such persons who have been directed by health care personnel to remain under strict home/ institutional quarantine for a period as decided by local Health Authorities.
• Persons violating quarantine will be liable to legal action under Section 188 of the IPC, 1860.
• Quarantined persons, who have arrived in India after 15.2.2020, after expiry of their quarantine period and being tested Covid-19 negative, will be released following the protocol prescribed in the SOP issued by MHA.

21. Instructions for enforcement of above lockdown measures:

• All the district magistrates shall strictly enforce the National COVID 19 directives as specified in Annexure I. Penalties prescribed shall be levied and collected from all persons and entities violating these directives.
• All industrial and commercial establishments, work places, offices etc. shall put in place arrangements for implementation of SOP as in Annexure II before starting their functioning.
• In order to implement these containment measures, the District Magistrate will deploy Executive Magistrates as Incident Commanders in the respective local jurisdictions. The Incident Commander will be responsible for the overall implementation of these measures in their respective jurisdictions. All other line department officials in the specified area will work under the directions of such incident commander. The Incident Commander will issue passes for enabling essential movements as explained.
• The Incident Commanders will in particular ensure that all efforts for mobilization of resources, workers and material for augmentation and expansion of hospital infrastructure shall continue without any hindrance.
• Additional activities permitted in these guidelines shall be implemented in a phased manner, after making all arrangements necessary for strict implementation of the guidelines. These will come into force with effect from 20th April, 2020.

22. Penal provisions
Any person violating these lockdown measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action under Sec. 188 of the IPC, and other legal provisions as applicable. Extracts of these penal provisions are at
Annexure III.

sd/-

Union Home Secretary