Army issues fresh advisory, soldiers’ leave extended till April 15

New Delhi, March 20 (IANS) Posting of all Indian Army personnel has been deferred and soldiers on leave will be given extended leave till April 15, stated the force fresh advisory issued on Friday to enhance measures to fight COVID.

Army Chief M.M. Naravane reviewed force’s preparation to contain COVID-19 with important functionaries at the Army headquarters where fresh instructions were issued and strict adherence was demanded.

It was decided to run extensive awareness campaigns. “Awareness campaigns are being run on precautions to be taken within the Army and also for communities in near vicinity to Army establishments,” said a source.

All conferences and seminars have been postponed till April 15 and temporary duty of all ranks is either rescheduled or cancelled till April 15.

All service personnel, except Army Medical Corps, attending courses terminating prior to April 15 will be retained at respective training institutions. For them additional training programme can be added.

Further annual and periodic medical examinations have been postponed till April 15.

It has been decided to regulate entry to canteens and crowding and bunching will be completely avoided.

“No movement of officers to/from country of foreign assignment whether on leave or completion of tenure till April 15,” the advisory stated.

Indian Army also made appeals to veterans and civilians living within and in the vicinity of army cantonments and stations to adhere to social distancing norms and to support additional and enhanced measures instituted to prevent spread of COVID-19.

The Army Chief asked the personnel to reduce attendance in offices with effect from March 23, excluding personnel engaged in essential and emergency services directly involved in taking measures to control spread of COVID-19.

It was also decided that 35 per cent officers and 50 per cent JCOs will work from home, adhering to home quarantine for a week starting March 23. It was also directed that the second group would proceed to home quarantine on March 30. Intermixing of groups has to be avoided, the directive said.

Personnel have been told to remain available on phone and electronic means at all times for exigencies of work.

In order to avoid crowding at entry and exit points, personnel attending office should adhere to staggered timings — 9 a.m to 5.30 p.m. and 9.45 a.m. to 6.15 p.m.

–IANS

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