Lockdown 4: Delhi Allows Staggered Working Hours For Industrial Firms, Timings Fixed On Basis Of Initial Alphabets

Lockdown 4 In Delhi Guidelines: Firms whose name starts with A to L have been allowed to function from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, while those firms with names from M to Z to operate from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm.

A man reads a newspaper sitting in front of closed shops at a market area during a nationwide lockdown imposed as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in New Delhi. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP)

New Delhi: The Delhi government, which on Monday extended the lockdown till May 31, has allowed all the industries to function with staggered working hours, depending on the initial alphabet of the company. Firms whose name starts with A to L have been allowed to function from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, while those firms with names from M to Z to operate from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm. "In order to ensure staggering of work/business hours, industrial establishments shall be permitted to function in staggered business hours. Industrial firms whose registered name starts with M/s A to M/s L may function from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, whereas firms whose registered name starts with M/s M to M/s Z may function from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm," read the order issued by Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). Also, it said the RWAs should not prevent any person from performing their services and duties which has been permitted in the guidelines. Earlier on Monday, stating that the Delhi government has to slowly move towards the 'opening of the economy' amid the crisis, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, while addressing a press conference here, said: "We used lockdown period to make arrangements to deal with COVID-19." The Delhi CM further said that wearing a mask will be mandatory in the national capital, which has reported over 10,000 COVID-19 positive cases so far including 160 deaths. In an order, signed by Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev, the government said no movement will be allowed in a containment zone. Also, for the better safety of the employees at offices and workplaces, the order directed the employers to make sure that the Aarogya Setu app is installed by all employees. In view of Lockdown 4.0, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has given powers to States/Union Territories to demarcate areas in Green, Orange, and Red zones, and allow activities in these areas except in containment zones. According to the MHA guidelines, "In containment zones, only essential activities shall be allowed." As of Monday, there are 76 containment zones in the city. Also Watch: