Give RT-PCR test results in 24 hours: Karnataka govt
Bengaluru, Apr 21: The Karnataka government on Wednesday directed labs and testing agencies in the state to give the RT-PCR test results within 24-hours after collecting samples.
It also instructed that the test results be updated on the ICMR portal.
Additional Chief Secretary (Health), Jawaid Akhtar, in an order, pointed to the Karnataka High Court's direction to the government in this regard in the wake of the rampant spread of the second wave of coronavirus in the state.
"Along with giving the RT-PCR test results within 24 hours, the information should also be updated on the ICMR portal," he said.
The High Court had on Saturday directed the state government to issue necessary instructions to the authorities and laboratories to give results at the earliest and not later than 24 hours.
There have been rising complaints about delay in getting the test results, in some cases upto three to four days, sources said.
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Govt employees mandated to complete competency-linked courses: Centre in Rajya Sabha
New Delhi (PTI): All central government employees have been mandated to complete competency-linked courses relevant to their role or level on a dedicated online platform annually, which will reflect in their annual performance appraisal reports, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.
The government has adopted a competency-based capacity building approach, focusing on role-based learning, continuous skill development, and alignment of training with role requirements, Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said in a written reply.
"The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has mandated all central government employees and officers of the all-India services to complete competency-linked courses mapped to their role/level and comprehensive assessments prescribed by their ministries/ departments/organisations (MDOs) or cadre controlling authorities (CCAs) on iGOT (integrated government online training) portal annually, which is to be also reflected in their annual performance appraisal reports (APARs)," he said.
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The minister was responding to a query about the government's plans to incorporate competency-based scores for promotion and appraisal processes of its employees.
A framework of roles, activities and competencies (FRAC) aims to align all positions in government with clearly defined roles, activities, and required competencies (behavioural, functional, and domain), Singh added.
In a separate reply, the minister said that details of the engagement of consultants are maintained by respective ministries and departments.
The General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017, administered by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, provides for the fundamental principles applicable to all ministries or departments concerning the engagement of consultants and external professionals or consultancy firms for specific jobs, he said.
"As informed by the Department of Expenditure, data regarding engagement of consultants is maintained by respective ministries and departments," Singh said.
The minister was asked the year-wise number of consultants engaged by all the central ministries and departments during the last five years.
