AGARTALA / NEW DELHI, April 22 (TIWN): The central government has brought an ordinance to end violence against health workers by emending the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, which will allow imprisonment from 6 months to 7 years for those found guilty.

Addressing a press conference, Union minister Prakash Javdekar today said the government would act "tough" against those who would attack doctors and frontline health workers.  He added the crimes against health workers, through the ordinance, had been made a "non-bailable offense". Under the new law, investigation in such cases will be completed in time-bound manner. "Such crime will now be cognizable and non-bailable. Investigation will be done in 30 days. Accused can be sentenced from 3 months-5 years and penalised from Rs 50,000 up to Rs 2 lakh," Javadekar said.  In extremely violent cases, accused could get get six months to seven years in jail.

It is a Non-Bailable Offence ! Convicted person may send for 7 years jail, along with fines. Investigation to be completed by 30 days and by 1 year the final verdict to be pronounced. In case of vehicle damage, double amounts need to be paid to the victim.