Govt closes offices, orders minimal staff posting for essential services

Srinagar, March 25 (GNS): In a bid to contain coronavirus spread, the Jammu and government on Wednesday ordered closure of all government offices, except those dealing with essential service, till April 14.   

The order was issued in consonance with direction by Member Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority amid Prime Minister Nadrendra Modi’s call for 21-day lockdown, the government said

The Member Secretary has directed all the state and UT governments to ensure social distancing so as to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .

“It is hereby ordered that all the Government Offices in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall remain dosed till 14th April, 2020 except ….those associated with providing essential services.”

Those offices that shall remain open include Police, Home Guards, Civil Defence, and Emergency Services, Disaster Management and Prisons. Also all Health & Medical Education Department institutions, District Administration and Treasury, Electricity, Water, Sanitation and SRTC shall also remain functional.

While municipal bodies shall also remain open, the government ordered that only staff required for essential services like sanitation, personnel related to water supply etc, shall attend.

“All concerned Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Heads of the Departments, Managing Directors etc. shall draw up a minimal roster of officers, officials, staff, who are required to render essential services within their Departments, offices and shall attend office from 25th March to 14th April, 2020.,” reads the order issued by government, according to GNS.

“The rest of employees shall be available on telephone and electronic means of communication at all times and shall attend office in cases of any exigency as and when required,” it said, adding, “All other employees shall work from Home till April 14.” (GNS)