Coronavirus Live Updates & News: Following a call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a 21-day complete lockdown in the country to prevent the community transmission of novel coronavirus in the country, Indian Army headquarters at Raisina Hill will work with a bare minimum staff.
The Army headquarters was closed for a day on Wednesday and now it will function with a bare minimum staff of 15%.
The office of newly created Department of Military Affairs was also closed on Wednesday.
Earlier, the force had reduced 50 per cent staff at the headquarters and detailed guidelines were issued to its personnel for maintaining the social distancing as urged by the country’s leadership.
Talking about COVID-19, the Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said the country is at a juncture where the armed forces will have to operate beyond their mandate and help the country in the fight against coronavirus.
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Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane has already directed the force to reduce attendance in offices with effect from March 23, 2020.
The army was required to reduce the daily attendance at its offices excluding the personnel engaged in essential and emergency services and also those who are directly involved in the containment of COVID-19 virus.
“All tasks related to response to COVID-19 should continue without hindrance,” Indian Army said in an advisory.
The army also directed its personnel to remain available on telephone and electronic means at all times for exigencies of work.
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The army also resorted to staggered timing to avoid crowding of personnel and entry and exit points that is essential to maintain the social distancing.
On Monday, Indian Army had closed its canteen stores and decided to provide home delivery of grocery items and other essentials.
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