Advisory by Labour Commissioner: All employers advised not to terminate services of regular/part time/casual/daily wagers or contractual workers

Port Blair, Mar 23: Andaman and Nicobar Islands is facing a situation of almost lockdown considering the impending risk of spread of Corona virus and threat of COVID – 19 in these Islands. It has already taken a number of steps in safeguarding public safety and healths including imposition of Section 144 of Cr.P.C vide DCs orders with effect from 19th March, 2020 which is lead to closure of commercial establishments and other non essential activities including construction activities in the entire UTs.
The Government of India has been issuing various advisory instructions and orders etc. to contain the spread of Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) in the nation, these includes shut down of shop and establishments other than essential activities to ensure maintaining social distancing for members of the public etc. and to control spreading of Corona virus.
With a view to safeguard public health and in interest of public Safety and in order to prevent any outbreak of the disease in the A&N Islands, the market activities involving shops and Commercial Establishments came to a standstill except few essential establishments dealing with chemist and pharmacy, Grocery, milk, Bakery, Fuel station of ANIIDCO.
In the backdrop of such a challenging situation all employers Public/Private establishment are advised to extend their coordination by not terminating the services of Regular/ Part time/Casual/daily wagers or contractual workers from job or reduce their wages. It is further advised that the employees may be treated on duty when the place of employment becomes non operational due to COVID-19.
For the employees over one year of service, the Shop and Commercial Regulation, 2004 has provided that the employers are liable to pay 12 days sick leave with wages to their workers who are employed continuously for last one year. In view of emergent shut down due to pandemic as narrated above, the employers of the shops and Establishments are hereby appealed to provide 12 days sick leave with wages to their employees and produce paid voucher after 31st March, 2020 to the Labour Commissioner for his verification.