Strict action against concerned for delay in salaries of Covid warriors: Angara

Mangaluru: Fisheries and district in-charge minister Angara ordered deputy commissioner (DC) Dr K V Rajendra to take strict action against concerned officers responsible for delay in payment of salaries of Covid warriors.

He was speaking at the meeting organized at the auditorium of the DC office in the city on Monday, August 23.

Angara said, ”  As Covid-19 positivity rate is high in the district, Covid warriors are working day and night to prevent the spread of the infection. Also, paying their salaries on time is the responsibility of the concerned department.  The concerned officers must be immediately suspended and strict action must be taken against them for the delay in the payment of salaries.  This type of attitude of officers will not be tolerated. ”

DC Rajendra Prasad said, ” Strict action will be taken against concerned officers by the end of this month. All tahsildars have to pay salaries to the Covid staff by 5th of every month. If it is kept pending, concerned officers will be served notice and disciplinary action will be initiated.”

“In order to effectively control the spread of the infection, Testing numbers should be increased in all taluks. Currently, 11,000 people are tested for Covid every day in the district, this number will be increased to 15,000. Primary contacts of infected individuals have to be detected.  Necessary vehicles and lab technicians are provided to all primary health care centres,” he said.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said that in order to increase Covid testing, more staff will have to be recruited.