Home ministry clarified that penal measures will not be across the board after India Inc raised concerns
The Union government on Wednesday clarified that companies would be penalised only for negligence or cognisance in case their employees tested positive for the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), a day after India Inc raised concerns over the official guidelines to restart economic activity.
“The MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) guidelines misinterpreted. Penalties under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, applicable if an offence occurs with consent, cognisance or negligence of the employer,” a home ministry spokesperson said on Twitter.
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Industry had flagged the issue once again on Wednesday to Union Labour and Employment Secretary Heera Lal Samariya, who promised to take up the matter at “the highest level”.
“Companies should follow the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines…The most important (element) is that there should not be any criminality (clause) and I fully agree with you. (I) will take it up at the highest level,” Samariya said during an interaction with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry via videoconferencing.
Source: Business Standard
