Ahead of Budget session, 400 Parl staffers test positive

New Delhi: Nearly 400 staffers working with Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha secretariats and allied services have tested positive for Covid- 19 in the last few days, triggering a move to impose restrictions on employees’ attendance.

According to sources, 65 staffers of Rajya Sabha Secretariat, 200 of Lok Sabha Secretariat and 133 of allied services have tested positive for Covid-19 from January 4 to 8 during regular tests. The development comes days before the Budget session of Parliament, which usually begins by the end of January.

After the surge in cases among employees, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat has reimposed restrictions on attendance of officials and staffers.

According to the latest directions, 50 per cent of officials and staff below the rank of under secretary or executive officer are required to work from home till the end of this month. They constitute about 65 per cent of the total employees. -(PTI)