Coronavirus: Government workers to get paid during lockdown, says FM
The Ministry of Finance on Monday announced that government workers, who have been forced to stay at home during the lockdown for coronavirus, will continue to be paid. The directive is applicable to all ministries and departments of the government till April 30. Due to an outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), several states, including the national capital of Delhi, are under lockdown.
Contractual, casual, outsourced staff to be treated as 'on duty'
A memorandum issued by the Finance Ministry's Department of Expenditure stated that due to the lockdown imposed in several states amid the COVID-19 outbreak, there is a likelihood of a number of contractual, casual and outsourced staff (e.g. housekeeping) who would be required to stay at home. Such workers would be treated as "on duty" and the necessary wages would be paid accordingly.
'Directives also applicable to attached/subordinate offices of government'
Referring to government workers forced to stay at home during the lockdown, the memo stated, "In order to avoid any hardships under the prevailing extraordinary circumstances...they shall be treated as 'on duty' during such period of absence and necessary pay/wages would be paid accordingly." It added, "These instructions shall also apply to attached/subordinate offices, autonomous/statutory bodies of the government of India."
You can view the memo here
Measures announced to reduce burden on policyholders
Taking cognizance of the impact the lockdown could have on the insurance industry, all insurers have been asked to continue business operations through alternative modes such as telephonic or digital contact. Insurance companies have been asked to display information on their website pertaining to the functioning of offices and alternative arrangements for premium payments, renewal, settlement of claims and lodging of other service requests.
Insurance regulatory body laid out following relaxations for smooth operation:
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) asked insurers to enhance grace period for payment of renewal payments by an additional 30 days if desired by policyholders. For health insurance, insurers may allow delay in renewal up to 30 days without deeming it a break in policy. However, insurers must contact policyholders in advance to ensure the insurance cover does not discontinue.
IRDAI allowed insurers to hold board meetings through video conferencing
Board meetings of insurers can be held through video conferencing or audio-visual means till June 30. An additional time of 15 days will also be allowed to insurers and insurance intermediaries for the submission of monthly returns.
