New Delhi, Mar 24 (IANS): The Finance Ministry has issued an office memorandum to ensure smooth functioning of government expenditure system during the operation of preventive measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.

It has said that as the expenditure functions of government in general and integrated finance divisions of ministries and office of the Controller General of Accounts are essential services, absence of staff during the period of lockdown should not be a reason for delay and non-functioning of the payments accounting system.

It has directed the financial advisors of the CGA to ensure coordination and issue suitable instructions for the presence of other staff as may be required to discharge the duty of the smooth functioning of the payment systems.

It should also be kept in mind while drawing up the roster so that office functions remain unhindered. The Ministry's office memorandum also said that all pay and account offices and other offices dealing with payments shall remain open during working hours.