Aarogya Setu : MHA Dilutes Mandatory Imposition; Says Employers On 'Best Effort Basis' Should Ensure Use Of App By Employees With 'Compatible Mobile Phones'

A notable feature of the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for the fourth phase of lockdown from May 18 to May 31 is the dilution of the mandatory condition for the use of 'Aarogya Setu', the contact tracing app developed by the National Informatics Centre in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.The directive in the guidelines issued on Sunday, May 17, states :"With a view. A notable feature of the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for the fourth phase of lockdown from May 18 to May 31 is the dilution of the mandatory condition for the use of 'Aarogya Setu', the contact tracing app developed by the National Informatics Centre in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. The directive in the guidelines issued on Sunday, May 17, states : "With a view to ensuring safety in offices and work places, employers on best effort basis should ensure that Aarogya Setu is installed by employees having compatible mobile phones" It is further stated : "District authorities may advise individuals to install the Aarogya Setu application on compatible mobile phones and regularly update their health status on the app". Compared to the mandatory tone of the previous condition, the present condition has an advisory tone, and the employers are urged on best effort basis to ensure the use of app by employees having compatible mobile phones.