Coronavirus outbreak: Odisha health secretary returns to work within 24 hours of father’s death

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha health secretary Nikunja Dhal earned appreciation from various quarters for returning to work within 24 hours of his father’s death given the difficult situation arising out of coronavirus.
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The 93-batch officer, a native of Jajpur district, had lost his father on Monday. He had returned to work on Tuesday.

“Leading from the front.Nikunja Dhal, IAS, Pr Secy Health, Govt of Odisha showed exemplary courage when he was back in his office combating the epidemic coronavirus within 24 hours of his father’s death. #Rolemodels #IndiaFightsCorona @PMOIndia, @mygovindia (sic),” tweeted the IAS Association. “I am humbled,” Nikunja said.
Though Naveen Patnaik government has suspended leaves of officers in view of the outbreak, the IAS officer could have availed leave citing his bereavement. In government’s fight against coronavirus, as a health secretary he has an important role in leading the crucial health department during the hours of crisis.
Odisha has declared Covid-19 a disaster. Several district administrations have claimed prohibitory orders invoking CrPC 144 to ensure social distancing. In Odisha, one person has tested positive for the virus while India’s tally has hit 139.