New Delhi, Apr 24 (IANS): The Centre has directed strict adherence to instructions at places where work is being carried under the MGNREGA scheme. It has said that smoking cigarettes or beedis, chewing tobacco and spitting should be disallowed at the work sites.

Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development Rajesh Bhushan has asked all the states to follow the directives to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Bhushan said during a video conference a few days ago that precautions need to be taken while performing tasks under MGNREGA, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) and National Livelihood Mission in non containment zones.

He said that it was important for all states and union territories to develop a standard plan for each workplace. Bhushan insisted on following the major directives.

These include: Smoking at the workplace to be completely forbidden; no person should be found eating tobacco, etc. and spitting to be completely prohibited where the work is going on.

The Secretary also said that if anyone has health problems, then he should be taken to the nearest health centre.

The Ministry of Rural Development has asked all the states to follow the April 15 guidelines set by the Union Home Ministry for conducting the work.