The Centre on March 19th, 2020 ordered all departments and state-run firms to get 50 per cent of its Group B and C employees to work from home and introduced staggered timings for others.

The decision was taken to minimise pressure on public transport and reduce the chances of the coronavirus infection.

As per the order issued by the Centre’s human resource manager, the Department of Personnel and Training, 50 per cent of Group B and Group C employees are required to attend office every day, and the remaining 50 per cent of staff should be instructed to work from home.

According to the order, the working hours of the employees should be altered.

The Central government officials, who will be working from home on a particular day as per the roster drawn up, should be available on telephone and electronic means of communications at all times. They should attend office, if called for any exigency work, the government notification said.

However, these instructions shall not apply to the offices and employees engaged/emergency services and those directly engaged in taking measures to control spread of COVID-19.

These order shall be applicable with immediate effect and will remain on April 4th, 2020.

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