(REOPENS DEL27)

The DoPT has asked the secretaries of government departments to inform employees working under them about the provisions of Conduct Rules to prohibit them from participating in the strike. "You may also issue instructions not to sanction casual leave or other kind of leave to employees if applied for, during the period of the proposed strike and ensure that the willing employees are allowed hindrance free entry into the office premises," it said. A suitable contingency plan may also be worked out to carry out the various functions of the ministry or department, the direction issued by the government said. "In case the employees go on strike, a report indicating the number of employees who took part in the proposed strike may be conveyed to this department on the evening of the day," the DoPT directive added.