the goan I network
PANAJI
In view of the spread of COVID-19 in India, Goa government’s General Administration Department has issued an office memorandum to all departments about regulating and modifying the working hours of government employees as and when the offices resume functioning.
According to the memorandum, working hours of all employees who attend office on any particular day should be staggered. Three groups of employees may be formed and asked to attend office in three shifts of 9 am to 5.30 pm, 9.30 am to 6 pm and 10am to 6.30 pm.
The officials who are working from home have been asked to be available on phone and through other means of electronic communication at all times.
However, it has been informed that these instructions do not apply to offices and employees engaged in essential and emergency services and those directly engaged in taking measures to control the spread of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, the ‘work from home’ protocol has also been extended to teachers in schools and higher secondary schools in an order issued by Director of Education Vandana Rao, IAS.
The order issued late on Saturday night said: “It has now been decided that educational institutions will remain closed from March 23 to 31 and teaching and non-teaching staff are advised to work from home as per the requirements of concerned institution.”
All academic work in schools and higher secondary schools, including examinations were cancelled but teaching and non-teaching staff were required to report to campuses as usual. With this order, they are now permitted to work from home.
On Saturday, dept of Higher Education finally permitted teachers and non-teaching staff of colleges to ‘work from home’ until March 31.
“All educational institutions coming under the purview of Higher Education, including GU, govt and aided Colleges, shall remain closed from March 23 to 31,” the circular issued by Director of Higher Education, Prasad Lolienkar said.
