Pregnant Women & Staff With Disabilities Exempted From Joining Office: Centre

All central government divisions have been asked to exempt pregnant women, persons with disabilities and those with existing comorbid conditions from coming back to the offices amid the COVID-19 outbreak, stated the Personnel Ministry on Tuesday, May 19.  The instruction was given after 50 percent of junior staff returned to the office and resumed their work from the office, adhering to the latest relaxation guidelines in the fourth phase of the lockdown.

Pregnant women have been exempted from coming to the offices amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Key takeaways

• All central governments have been asked to exempt pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and co-occurring conditions from returning to the office.
•  The directives were given after 50 percent of junior staff reported at work. 
• This has been done while keeping the relaxation guidelines in mind. 
• For regulation of attendance, a list has to be prepared and the ones exempted will not be added in the list.

Also read: Japan: 300,000 Face Masks Sent To Pregnant Women Maybe Faulty

Who has been exempted?

The notification says that government employees who have existing comorbidities and were undergoing treatment for them before the lockdown, may, as far as possible be exempted from roster duty. However, to avail the exemption the employee has to produce a medical prescription from treating physicians.

"Similarly, persons with disabilities and pregnant women may also not be included in the roster to be prepared," the directive said.

50 percent of officer and staff to report

In addition, all heads of  respective departments have been requested by the Personnel Ministry to prepare a list to monitor the attendance of officers and employees below the level of deputy secretary. To make certain that 50 percent of officers and staff, report to the office every alternate day.

All officers of the level of deputy secretary and above will be joining the office on all working days.

Also read: Lockdown: Delhi HC Orders Govt To Prioritize Pregnant Women’s Health

All officers of the level of deputy secretary and above will be joining the office on all working days. All heads of the department have also been asked to regulate. And 50 percent of administrative staff and employees, who attend office should be under the observation. And timing should be noted. Three shifts have been put in place. For the central government employees from 9 am to 5:30 pm, 9:30 am to 6 pm and 10 am to 6:30 pm.

Shreya is an intern with SheThePeople.TV