Several grade III and IV staff of the office of the Hailakandi deputy commissioner and amalgamated offices have raised concern over an order asking them to attend office everyday, including Sundays, or face strict disciplinary action such as showcause and pay cut.

They feel such gathering, without maintaining social distance, may worsen the coronavirus situation.

An order issued by the commissioner and secretary of general administration department of Assam on March 21 asked all deputy commissioners to ensure that 50 per cent of grade II, III and IV employees attend office everyday while 50 per cent work from home. It asked them to make a roster for the employees.

An order, released by Hailakandi additional deputy commissioner Eldad Faihriem, asks all grade III and IV staff to attend office.

Sources said the weekly roster for attendance of 50 per cent employees in Hailakandi district had not been prepared so all employees were asked to attend office.

Neighbouring Cachar and Karimganj districts of Barak Valley are, however, ready with the roster, they added.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Sadou Asom Zila Prashasan Karmachari Santha general secretary Bikramjit Chakraborty said rosters for the attendance of 50 per cent staff should be prepared and vehicles should be provided to bring the employees to office.

According to government rules, an employee should stay within 8km radius of office.

An employee said even if an employee stays within 8km radius, it was not possible to walk the distance everyday. Moreover, he added that they face the possibility of being beaten up by police during the lockdown.

Landlords are also asking many of the employees to vacate their houses, he added.

District administration officials could not be contacted.