Payment of wages to outsourced persons of Ministries/Department and other organizations of Central Government throughout 2nd Wave of COVID-19: The Central Government has decided to provide complete wages to all contractual, casual and outsourced employees who had been forced to keep at home throughout lockdowns this year. The Government will contemplate such workers “on duty” even if they had to keep at home throughout lockdowns from April 1 to June finish.
In an Office Memorandum (O.M) dated 8th June 2021, the Department of Expenditure (DOE) noted the influence of lockdowns on contractual, casual and outsourced employees engaged by numerous Central Government departments and ministries.
“It has been seen that the 2nd wave of COVID-19, starting mid — April and continuing till now has impacted a large number of people in the country. However, unlike a nationwide lockdown last year, lockdown during this year has varied throughout the country based on the severity of the 2nd wave. Due to this there is a likelihood of a number of contractual, casual and outsources staff such as housekeeping staff etc. being required to stay at home for various reasons, which under normal circumstances, would result in a deduction in their pay/wages,” O.M. mentioned.
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The O.M. additional announced relief for such workers by thinking of them “on duty” although they stayed at home throughout lockdowns.
“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 due to state wise lockdown imposed by States/UT Governments or otherwise as deem fit by the competent authority, they may be treated as “on duty” throughout such period of absences and needed spend/wages would be paid accordingly,” the DOE mentioned.
Important dates
The above instruction will for the period involving 1st April, 2021 and 30th June, 2021. It will also apply to Attached/Subordinate Offices, Autonomous/Statutory Bodies of the Government of India.