NEW DELHI: Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka and Tripura are yet to follow directives on timely payment of salaries to healthcare workers engaged in COVID-19 duties, the Centre on Friday told the Supreme Court, which said it cannot be “helpless” in implementing the directions.
The top court also asked the Centre to clarify that compulsory quarantine period of healthcare workers is not to be treated as leave and salaries are not deducted for the period.
A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, R Subhash Reddy and M R Shah told the Centre to issue directions for releasing the salaries on time.
“If the states are not complying with the directions and orders of the Central Government, you are not helpless. You have to ensure that your order is implemented. You have got the power under the Disaster Management Act. You can take steps also,” the bench told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre. (AGENCIES)
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