COVID-19 lockdown: Public barred entry to Janata Bhawan

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Secretariat Administration Department (SAD), Government of Assam, has clarified that though some amount of relaxations have been provided across the State from Monday as per the notification of Assam State Disaster Management Authority, general people will not be allowed entry into the State Secretariat (Janata Bhawan) at Dispur till May 17, 2020, when the government will again review this decision.

Talking to The Sentinel, SAD Commissioner & Secretary, M Angamuthu said, "No passes will be issued for general visitors till May 17, 2020. In cases of emergency, concerned persons can contact the respective departments over phone."

The SAD, on Monday, also issued the following order, "The senior most Secretary of the Administrative Department will ensure that all officers of the rank of Deputy Secretary and above shall attend office to the extent of 100% strength and 50% strength in respect of the remaining officers and staff below the rank of Deputy Secretary."

Earlier only 33% of the staff, if required, was asked to be present in the Secretariat during the second phase of lockdown from April 21, 2020.

The SAD order further said, "The senior most Secretary of the Administrative Department will further ensure maintenance of protocol in respect of social distancing, sanitization, etc., in their respective departments/ offices as per the national directive for COVID-19 management communicated by the Ministry of Home Affairs."

However, the SAD order added, "These instructions shall not apply to the offices and employees engaged in essential services and those directly engaged in taking measures to control spread of COVID-19."

Mentionably, all essential services have remained open during the lockdown periods.

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