The Border Security Force (BSF) chief has issued a circular asking all officials to strictly adhere to protocols for safety against Covid-19 and warned that those found to be violating the preventive measures will face disciplinary action.
The missive came after a Deputy Commandant who came back from leave did not undergo quarantine and called friends from his Unit to his residence.
“It has been brought to my notice that officers are not obeying the guidelines/instructions issued from time to time regarding Covid-19 protocol. Recently, one Dy Commandant rank officer has joined his duty from leave and refused to undergo quarantine in isolation ward. Further, he called several unit personnel to his house. This is clear violation of orders of Govt and Force HQ (Headquarters). Every personnel, irrespective of rank, on return from leave should be put in quarantine facility so created, under supervision of doctors. No home quarantine is permitted,” acting BSF Director General SS Deswal said in a circular issued on Wednesday.
The BSF chief further said, “Strict disciplinary action will be taken against such defaulters as well as the supervisory officers. It is again directed to comply with Covid-19 protocol in letter and spirit.”
The circular has been sent to all the formations of the 2.5 lakh strong border guarding forces across the country.
Last month, a second-in-command officer of the BSF posted at the paramilitary academy had tested positive for Covid-19 following which over 50 other officers who were traced to be in his contact were put under 14 day quarantine to check any possible spread of the disease.
As a preventive measure, the paramilitary has extended the leave of those availing the facility in order to avoid any transmission of the viral pandemic.
The BSF is the designated border guarding force for frontiers along Pakistan and Bangladesh.