Council of Ministers to resume work from office on Monday. (image used for representational purpose only)
All central ministers have been asked to resume work in ministries from Monday, said sources. The ministers have also been asked to put together plans for the post-lockdown period to kick-start the economy. Sources told India TV that the directions were issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi today interacted with chief ministers and told them that focus should be now on health as well as prosperity of the nation.
In addition to this, all officers from the rank of joint secretary and above and those having government conveyance have been asked to resume work in respective departments. One-third of the essential staff members in every ministry has also been mandated to be present.
"Government has desired that all officers who are entitled to official transport facility will come to office from Monday ie officers of the level of SAG (Joint Secretary) or higher," news agency PTI reported quoting sources as saying.
The government is focusing on hotspots of COVID-19 to contain the spread of the disease and on efforts to kick-start the normal functions once the lockdown is lifted.
However, with Monday being Baisakhi, the ministers will, reportedly, resume working from their offices from April 14.
Senior officers have also been asked to report to work from Monday. The ministries will resume work with Class 2, 3 and 4 staff working on a rotational basis.
Even during the lockdown, Health, Finance, Rural Development and Agriculture among other ministries were working, while activities of others were restricted, sources said.
Meanwhile, the Centre is considering a request made by most states to extend the ongoing nationwide lockdown by two more weeks beyond April 14.
There are indications that an extension in lockdown may come with certain relaxations to boost economic activities.
(With PTI inputs)
