Thiruvananthapuram: The state government is examining the possibility of deploying 50 percent government employees and teachers who are not on duty for COVID-19 prevention activities. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recommended this plan after examining that more people are needed to carry out the preventive measures in the state.
A meeting of departmental secretaries summoned by the Chief Minister discussed the plan. The Chief Minister directed the chief secretary to prepare a draft plan on the deployment of the employees instead of receiving recommendations from the district collectors. It is learned that the draft plan will be ready soon.
Following the relaxations in the lockdown, the state government directed that all employees must report for duty.
But later only 50 percent employees were asked to work at each government office after examining the rapid spread of the disease. Now, the rest of the employees are likely to be used for executing the preventive measures.
At the same time, work from home will be cancelled for those who are not in need. It is learned that others will be deputed for duty related to COVID-19 prevention in the nearest local government office or collectorate.
As per the records of the 11th pay commission, 5,15,639 employees including staff in government departments, teaching and non-teaching staff in private educational institutions are working in the state.