In view of the emerging situation due to coronavirus threat and the need for strengthening of response apparatus to contain its spread, the District Magistrate Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary under powers vested in him by virtue of disaster management act 2005 has ordered cancellation of all gazetted holidays in the district.
The order issued under sections 33 and 34 of the act directsthat officials of essential services departments and those involved in measuresfor containment of spread of coronavirus infection will not avail any gazettedor restricted holidays including Sundays and or any leaves.
It also directs private persons and organisationsrequisitioned for providing services or assisting the authorities or officialsengaged in measures for creation of facilities as per directions under thedisaster management act to ensure strict adherence to all instructions withoutfail.
It also directs that all government officers and officialswho might be on leave shall report to duty as and when required or asked. Theorder states that non-compliance with instructions under the order or creatingof obstructions in implementation of measures for dealing with the emergingsituation will attract strict action as warranted under section 51 of thedisaster management act. It states that strict penalties will be levied incases where officers as authorised for the purpose are obstructed in dischargeof their duties or not cooperated or complied with. It notes that such acts arepunishable with imprisonment and fine adding the former can extend up to 24months.