Memorandum to Hon'ble PM on measures to contain COVID-19

ALL INDIA ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL EXCISE GAZETTED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (Representing the Superintendents of C.Ex& CGST) [Recognised vide CBEC Letter F. No. B 12017/10/2006-Ad IV A dated 21/01/2008] Address for Correspondence and Communications: R. Manimohan, Secretary General, AIACEGEO, G.S.T Bhavan, 6/7 A.T.D. Street, Race Course, Coimbatore – 641018. Email id: aisacbitc@gmail.com[Mob.No: 09443063989]

President: ShishirAgnihotri 09820924001 Working President: H.S. Bajaj 08527880241 AsstSecy General: A.S. Kundu 09426746721 Liaison Secretary: Abhishek Kamal 09852743525 Chairman, CR Comt: TirthankarPyne 09433375001 Vice Presidents: M. A. Jithendra Kousik Roy T. ChakrapaniRao S.K.Bundela P.T.Gaidhani Vinod Sharma R.R. Thripathy AshishPathak R. Soundari D.K. Sharma Joint Secretaries: Malkit Singh HemantGhosal S.K. Yadav D. Samantaray Anil Bhokare A.G. Dhoble C. J. Thomas T. Elanchezhiyan Samir Kumar Sinha Chandra Prakash Core Committee: Ajit Kumar K.G. G. Srinath Office Secretary: K.R.Dinesh Kumar

Ref. No: 01/PM/2020                                      Date: 19.03.2020 To Shri. Narendra Modiji, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. Respected Pradhan Mantriji,           Kindly accept our gratitude and congratulations for having shown thus far, the way to the entire world, in dealing with a volcanic situation in the name of ‘Corona Virus’.  We are fully with you in the message that ‘there should not be panic but we should be prepared’.           Various analysis by experts on public health regarding the spread-speed of the Corona Virus in other parts of the World suggest that the present week and the coming two weeks are crucial to contain it’s spread in our Country.  In this context, we would like to humbly place before your good self the following suggestions for immediate directions as deemed fit: (1)          While Government Offices have to be kept open so as to not cause panic among the public, at the same time the number of meetings requiring people to travel from one place to another could be reduced.  In this regard, it may kindly be ordered that meetings may be held only through video conferencing if at all very urgent and unavoidable. (2)          Wherever travel through public transport is required, it would be better to reduce the number of such commuters. This requires that all Offices and establishments other than Essential Services require to be closed down till the crisis period is crossed. Further since the schools and colleges are closed till 31.3.2020, the presence of the parents at home is very important to ensure that the children are safe and follow proper protocols prescribed by the WHO/Government and also do not go out and socialise. The elderly at home also have to be taken care of and closely monitored. Hence wherever Offices could not be completely closed, attendance could be regulated through methods like work from home, flexi timings or alternate attendance, depending upon the nature of establishments and as per local arrangements, keeping in view the risk factors in each station/city/state.  (3)          Wherever Government Offices have to remain open, necessary arrangements for sanitization of the entire office premises, provision of hand sanitizers/hand wash with proper water facilities, masks for the staff, etc, require to be immediately ordered. (4)          Since the WHO has recommended people even with mild cough or fever to remain at home, the Leave Rules require to be relaxed to enable Government Servants to avail Medical Leave even without AMA/Medical Certificates. (5)          Since the entire industrial and economic activity is under pressure, the Finance Ministry could be directed to relax all dates for payment of taxes and duties as well as for loan repayments and also submission of any reports and returns up to the second week of April 2020.   Consequently any meetings or mobilisation for revenue augmentation could be put on hold till April 2020.  The State Governments also could be advised to follow suit. (6)          Due to the disruption of classes in schools and colleges, in order to avoid mental pressure on children, all annual exams other than Public Exams could be asked to be cancelled and all children be automatically promoted to the next class/grade, for the next academic year. (7)          Special incentives could be granted to those Government Servants in Public Health and Essential Services due to the severe pressure and risk they themselves are exposed to in the present situation. We hope if the above measures are ordered from your esteemed office, not only our entire country will stand to benefit in multiple ways, but also the entire world will take the cue in handling this grave crisis. We once again salute the Government for its efforts at this crucial juncture and re-dedicate ourselves in the service of the nation. Thanking you, Yours truly, (R. Manimohan) Secretary General, AIACEGEO Copy submitted for information and necessary action to: 1)    Hon’ble Union  Home Minister 2)    Hon’ble Union Finance Minister 3)    Hon’ble MOS, PMO. 4)    The Cabinet Secretary to the GOI 5)    The Secretary to GOI, DOPT 6)    The Revenue Secretary, GOI. 7)    The Chairman, CBIC. 8)    The Secretary JCM Staff Side. 9)    The Secretary General, CCGGOO. (R. Manimohan) Secretary General, AIACEGEO