By Sanjiv Kumar Singh Chauhan

Gautam Buddh Nagar, Apr 5 (IANS): Suhas L.Y., the new District Magistrate of Gautam Buddh Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, has warned district officials, missing from the fight against coronavirus, of dismissal from service if they failed to report for duty in 24 hours.

His missive issued on Saturday was said to be aimed at 51 officials who were allegedly not reporting for duty amid the coronavirus crisis in the district. After his order, 34 officials reported for duty, but 17 were still reported absent.

The IAS officer, who took reins of the district from B.N. Singh, said that the conduct of these officials was disappointing and smacked of gross negligence in performance of their duties.

"The absentee officials are directed to submit their joining report to the Chief Medical Officer by the midnight of April 5," the order reads.

He warned that these 17 officials will be booked and dismissed from service if they failed to comply and report for duty.

Since taking over as the new DM, Suhas has also set up a Corona Call Centre helpline 1800-4192-211 to help the public with information on the disease.