The decision in this regard has been taken after some officials did not show up for work despite the government’s directive on the weekend. The ministry has a crucial role as it monitors the supply of essential commodities and prices. Some officers are required for this purpose. If they remain absent, then replacement from the DoPT will be sought.

The list of officers unwilling to come for work is being prepared and an office memorandum has been issued in this regard. The department will decide not to deploy on duty those officials who have medical conditions and other valid reasons and ask for a replacement from the DoPT for the manpower.

The government has exempted the movement of essential commodities from the lockdown, which has been extended till May 3 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

There was some confusion over an OM that intended to tell compiling list of staff and officers, who are not able to come for emergency duties during the lockdown period. In view of ambiguity in the language, this OM was withdrawn. Now the department would compile such information and use it while drawing up the roster duty of officers/staff during the lockdown period.