PSU firms, banks taking all precautions to ward off COVID-19: Officials

Kolkata, Apr 2 () State-run companies and banks aregoing the extra mile to ensure safety of its staff in the wakeof the coronavirus outbreak, including measures like work-from-home arrangement and providing vital medical kits,officials said.

Kolkata-based diversified PSU Balmer Lawrie has askeda section of its employees to work from home, while thosecoming to the workplace are screened at the entrance and theyregularly use hand sanitisers.

"The workplace is being cleaned all the time... andconstant awareness programmes are held at the plant levels bythe head of safety and environment," a spokesperson of BalmerLawrie told .

The employees of the company have contributed oneday's salary in addition to Rs 1 crore from the CSR kitty tothe PM Cares Fund, she said.

State-owned UCO Bank said its employees are providedwith masks and sanitisers, and advised to maintain socialdistancing from customers.

"The cashier, whose jobs are very risky, are givengloves for distributing cash," MD and CEO A K Goel said.

The lender has contributed Rs 3.95 crore to the PMCares Fund, he said.

An Indian Oil Corporation official said the companyhas procured medical insurance for 3.23 crore pump attendants,delivery boys and drivers of LPG and petroleum, oil &lubricants (POL) at a cost of Rs 22.68 crore for one year.

The sum assured is Rs one lakh per family of four,which is in addition to the ex-gratia amount of Rs five lakhin case of death of any LPG delivery boy, showroom staff ormechanic due to COVID-19, the company said.

IOC has pledged to contribute Rs 225 crore to the PMCares Fund and two days' salary of employees. DCRBT RBT