KATHMANDU: The government has directed the authorities not to cut salaries of security personnel and health workers for a government fund to fight against COVID-19.

A meeting of the High-Level Coordination Committee on the Prevention and Containment of COVID-19 on Monday decided not to deduct salaries of security personnel and health workers for depositing it to the government’s Coronavirus Infection Prevention, Control and Treatment Fund.

Nepal Police Headquarters had decided to deduct salaries of police personnel over officer level for three to seven days and deposit the amount in the government’s fund.

The decision courted criticisms from several quarters saying the decision will demotivate security personnel who have been deployed at the frontline to control and prevent COVID-19.

However, civil servants are required to contribute the salary of three to seven days to the fund, depending on their position, according to Narayan Prasad Bidari, secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.