Payment of wages to outsourced persons of Ministries / Departments and other organizations of Government of India during lockdown period due to COVID-19

In view of the lockdown order relating to COVID-19 prevention, as stated by various States / UT Governments, contract workers are expected to remain at home, they shall be considered as "on duty" during such absence time and the requisite pay / wages shall be paid accordingly.

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.

Also check: Preventive measures to be taken to contain the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) DoPT Order

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

Source: DoE
Casual workers, Contract Workers, COVID-19, COVID-19 prevention, DoE, lockdown