New Delhi:

The government has conveyed to all officers, who have been invited to attend the Republic Day ceremony at Rajpath today, to compulsorily attend the event and warned of actions against those who fail to do so.

In a communication to all secretary rank officers of the central government, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba said due to the coronavirus pandemic, the seating capacity at the official function at Rajpath has been decreased to just 25 per cent of the original capacity.

In his letter, Mr Gauba said the Republic Day ceremony at Rajpath is an important national function that is held every year on January 26 and considering the importance of the ceremony, it is expected that all the officers, who are invited, must attend the event.

“In view of social distancing requirements imposed due to COVID-19, the seating capacity this year has been decreased to 25 per cent of the original capacity. It is all the more important, therefore, that the officers who are invited attend the ceremony as part of their duty.

“You may suitably advise all officers of your ministry/ department, who are invited to the Republic day ceremony at Rajpath, to attend the function. You may also like to caution them that a serious view would be taken of their absence on this occasion,” the letter said.

President Ram Nath Kovind will take the salutes from the armed forces, police, paramilitary forces and others at the Republic day function.

The armed forces will display various tanks, missiles and other equipment which will be followed by a vibrant parade comprising tableaux from different states and cultural dances.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his ministerial colleagues, parliamentarians and other dignitaries will also attend the event.

There will be no chief guest at this year’s function as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was invited to attend it, cancelled his visit due to the growing health crisis in the UK over the new coronavirus strain.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)