Odisha Govt Asks Bank, Postal Employees To Home Deliver Cash To Elderly, Differently-abled

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government on Monday allowed Bank and postal employees to deliver cash to the doorsteps of elderly and differently-abled persons after receiving phone calls from them seeking assistance in this regard, officials said on Tuesday.

The move has been cited as a precautionary measure to protect the vulnerable people from the scourge of COVID pandemic. Elderly people have already been advised to remain indoors due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation.

"Postal and bank employees are allowed to move to the premises of senior citizens and differently-abled persons to deliver cash, on phone calls during working hours, with strict adherence to safety measures," the Finance Department said in an order.

The local administrations have also fixed park timings exclusively for them.

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, while earlier engaging volunteers to help elderly persons buy groceries and medicines, had drawn the government's attention to the issue of withdrawal of cash from banks.

The Finance Department has also permitted financial institutions to operate with limited staff till August 31.

Public and private sector banks and insurance firms can operate with 50 per cent staff at bigger branches, it said.

Smaller branches with less than five employees can function with full staff strength with strict adherence to safety measures, the department said.

(PTI)

Also Read:

Govt Employees Retiring During COVID-19 Pandemic To Receive ‘Provisional’ Pension

COVID19: Odisha Govt Offices To Remain Shut On Saturdays