In fourth phase of lockdown, PMC puts forth rules for workplaces to function

It has been made necessary for all staff members to maintain social distancing while in the office, and firms have been suggested to allow work in two shifts and with different timings for lunch breaks to re-inforce social distancing.

Coroanvirus outbreak, India lockdown, Covid 19 test, Maharashtra news, Indian express news

The PMC has asked organisation heads to ensure that Aarogya Setu app is downloaded by all staff members. (Representational)

While lockdown rules have been relaxed, allowing offices to operate in non-containment zones, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Tuesday put forth conditions to be strictly followed in work places in the fourth phase of the lockdown, till May 31.

Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad allowed private offices, especially IT and allied firms, in non-containment zones to operate with 50 per cent staff strength, while permitting government offices to operate with 33 per cent manpower.

“Those reporting to their workplaces should be residents of areas outside containment zones,” Gaikwad said.

The rules also stated that offices should provide masks to every employee. It has been made necessary for all staff members to maintain social distancing while in the office, and firms have been suggested to allow work in two shifts and with different timings for lunch breaks to re-inforce social distancing.

The PMC has asked firms to start thermal scanning, along with providing handwash and touch-free sanitiser facilities for employees at entry and exit gates. It also mandated that areas of public use, or things which face frequent physical contact like door knobs, should be disinfected frequently.

The PMC has asked organisation heads to ensure that Aarogya Setu app is downloaded by all staff members. Organisations are not allowed to hold meetings with a large number of employees, and have to display lists in offices of hospitals that are treating Covid-19 patients.

Any staff with Covid-19 symptoms should be taken to hospitals for screening, and a place in the firm premises should be identified to isolate them before they’re taken to the hospital, the conditions stated.

Story continues below this ad

It will be the responsibility of the firm to arrange vehicles for staff members to take them to and back from their offices, in case no public transport systems are available.

The rules also state that the staff must be trained to maintain hygienic conditions in the workplaces.

Shops are permitted to remain open from 7 am to 7 pm. It is necessary that the shopkeeper and all other staff members are residents of non-containment zones, and they must be issued identity cards. All staff members have been mandated to follow social distancing, and use masks and hand gloves. Facilities to wash hands and sanitise must be made available, and any staff member showing Covid-19 symptoms must be taken to the hospital. The entrances as well as counters of all shops must be disinfected with sodium hypochloride daily.

It is mandatory for customers to wear masks while shopping and ensure social distancing.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories