In view of the outbreak Covid-19 pandemic, the Centre has allowed IT professionals to extend work from home (WFH) till July 31.
Union Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Ravi Shankar Prasad informed the State governments pertaining to the WFH decision during the video conference with State IT Ministers.
Responding to a suggestion made by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister CN Ashwath Narayan for extending the permission to WFH upto March 31, 2021, the Union Minister stated the decision can be reviewed after July.
While briefing the media after the video conference, Ashwath Narayan said that he had explained the problems faced by the IT sector. Besides, the Union Minister had also Okayed to a suggestion on holding a separate meet with the heads of IT companies soon.
National Strategy Committee
According to the Karnataka Minister, the Union Minister had notified that a national-level strategy committee will be preparing detailed guidelines, solutions in the context of the pandemic. In the wake of the change in the working conditions after the lockdown, the Union Minister stated that steps would be taken to strengthen the BharatNet to provide better internet facilities.
Online health services
Ravishankar Prasad applauded the online health services of Karnataka and said that there is indeed an improvement in online services after the pandemic breakout. “Online health services have improved after Covid-19. All States should also improve on this front,” he said.
Aptamitra helpline
Ashwath Narayan elaborated on how the State government has succeeded in using technology to offer education and other essential services. More than 500 professionals are working at Aptamitra Helpline.
On average every day, they receive at least 50,000 calls. As an alternative to e-commerce, Aptamitra helpline ensures all essentials such as groceries, medicines to people’s doorsteps in red zones.
