New norms for attendance in govt offices as Covid situation improves

NEW DELHI: Government employees of the level of under-secretary and above will be required to attend office on all working days from Wednesday, as per revised attendance norms issued by the department of personnel and training (DoPT) in view of improving Covid-19 situation in the country.
An office memorandum issued by DoPT on Monday said 50% staff below the level of under-secretary level will need to attend office on any working day, with timings staggered to avoid overcrowding, even as the remaining 50% shall work from home.
These norms, which DoPT said were revisited as the number of Covid cases and positivity rate had reduced considerably, will be effective from June 16 to June 30.
Pregnant women employees and those with disabilities will continue to be exempt from being physically present in office but shall be required to work from home.
The officers and staff who attend office will need to follow staggered timings, with three indicated shifts from 9 am to 5.30 pm, 9.30 am to 6 pm and 10 am to 6.30 pm.
All staff residing in containment zones will be exempt from coming to office till the containment zone is denotified.
Those working from home should be available on telephone or other electronic means of communication at all times. Meetings, as far as possible, shall continue to be conducted via video-conferencing mode.
Biometric attendance in government offices will continue to be suspended.