NEW DELHI: Ten days after around two lakh employees of the Delhi government were prohibited from working without getting at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, several departments have started issuing strict orders. One of the departments stated that non-compliance of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) order can lead to action, including jail term of up to one year.

An order was issued by the DDMA on October 8 making it necessary for all employees in departments, autonomous bodies, PSUs, local and educational bodies under the Delhi government, to at least get the first vaccine dose by 15th October. Unvaccinated employees were prohibited from attending office on October 16 and were informed that the period of absence from duty till they get at least the first dose would be considered as being on leave.

The DDMA took the decision in a meeting on September 29, which aimed at ensuring 100% vaccination of all government employees, frontline workers, healthcare workers, teachers, etc., who usually interact with the public.

The vaccination status of an employee was to be validated by the head of the department by means of a certificate of vaccination or the Arogya Setu app. A Delhi government official stated that all departments are required to compile this data and ensure that every employee is vaccinated. He added that most government employees have been vaccinated with at least one dose.

Departments that have issued orders over the past two weeks to branch heads to ensure compliance and check the vaccination certificates include labor, finance, directorate of audit, directorate of training and technical education.

In its order issued on Tuesday, the directorate of training and technical education mentioned that it had received references that sought clarification on the action against officials who do not comply with the DDMA directions. The directorate clarified that not complying with the DDMA directive will lead to penal action under sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. According to section 51(b) of the Act, anyone who refuses to comply with any order given by or on behalf of central or state government under the Act, without any reasonable cause, can be punished with imprisonment of up to one year or fine, or both, if convicted.

Source: ET Healthworld