Covid surge: Rajya Sabha allows work from home for 50% of its staff below Under Secretary level

Ravi S Singh

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Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 9

The Rajya Sabha Secretariat has restricted physical attendance of employees in view of a surge in coronavirus cases.

“Due to increase in Covid-19 cases in the secretariats of both Houses of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat has reimposed restrictions on attendance of officials and staff,” a Rajya Sabha’s communique on Sunday said.

As per the latest directions, 50% of officials and staff below the rank of Under Secretary/Executive officer are required to work from home till the end of this month.

They constitute about 65% of the total employees.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu has directed that necessary measures be taken to contain the spread of virus among the Secretariat officials and staff ahead of the Budget session, which is to begin at the end of this month. Naidu’s directions came after he reviewed the Covid situation.

Persons with disabilities and pregnant women employees have been exempted from attending the office.

Starting and closing timings of the Secretariat are staggered to avoid crowding.

All official meetings will be held virtually.

Naidu directed that all officials and staff of over 1,300 should be tested for corona and recovery of the infected shall be closely monitored and assisted in hospitalisation and treatment if needed.

He also directed regular monitoring and review of the Covid situation.

According to sources, 65 of the Rajya sabha Secretariat, 200 of the Lok sabha Secretariat and 133 of  allied services have tested corona-positive during January 4-8.