PANJIM: A month after being closed, State government offices and autonomous bodies will resume full-fledged operations from Monday, April 20, while ensuring that measures like social distancing and wearing of masks, are maintained at work places.
However, while making it mandatory for Group A and B officers to attend service, government has directed departments to ensure that only 33 per cent of Class C employees remain present, while the others will work from home. Also, departments have been requested not to convene meetings unless it is essential and to avoid visitors.
“However, delivery of public services shall be ensured and necessary staff will be deployed for such purpose,” the office memorandum (OM) issued by Under Secretary General Administration Shripad Arlekar, states.
With no new coronavirus cases being detected in the State after April 3, the State government granted relaxations on various fronts, including opening up offices and allowing industrial units to function with limited staff.
Government offices have remained shut since March 23, in view of the extended Janata Curfew in the State. This was followed by the national lockdown, which came into force from March 25.
The OM states that police, home guards, civil defence, fire and emergency services, disaster management, prison and municipal services will function without restrictions.
For forest offices, staff and workers required to operate and maintain zoos, nurseries, wildlife, fire-fighting in forest, watering plantation, patrolling and their necessary transport movement will be ensured.
“It is suggested that the working hours for all the employees who attend the office on a particular day should also be staggered,” the office memorandum said.
In order to maintain social distancing, the government has asked departments to do work through video conferences, instead of regular meetings.
Also, departments have been requested to instruct their staff to remain at home if they have symptoms like cough, cold, fever or if they are short of breath, etc and advised to take appropriate medical care. Government will put in operation around 200-odd KTC buses to ferry government employees.
