Payment of wages to outsourced persons of Ministries/Departments during lockdown period due to COVID-19
F.No.23(4)/E.Coord/2020/1
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 23.03.2020
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub: Payment of wages to outsourced persons of Ministries/Departments and other organizations of Government of India during lockdown period due to COVID-19
As part of social distancing and isolation measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country, various State/ UT Governments have announced lockdown at different places. Instructions have been separately issued by DOP&T regarding maintenance of essential services in Ministries/Departments.
2. Due to these measures, there is a likelihood of a number of contractual, casual and outsourced staff such as house-keeping staff etc. being required to stay at home, which under normal circumstances would result in deduction in their pay/wages. In order to avoid any undue hardships under the prevailing extraordinary circumstances, it has been decided that wherever any such contractual, casual and outsourced staff of Ministries/Departments and other organizations of Government of India, is required to stay at home in view of lockdown order regarding COVID-19 prevention, as announced by various States/ UT Governments, they shall be treated as “on duty” during such period of absence and necessary pay/wages would be paid accordingly.
3. These instructions shall also apply to Attached/ Subordinate Offices, Autonomous /Statutory Bodies of Government of India.
4. These instructions shall apply till 30th April, 2020.
(Annie G. Mathew)
Additional Secretary to Government of India