How Should Companies Handle Full Pay for Contract Workers Who Refuse Work During COVID-19 Lockdown?

Sir,

Is all recent government advisory applied for full payment to the contract workers in the lockdown period? In the case of contract labor, if they refuse to work during the lockdown, are absent from duty, and question management about why they should come on duty when the government circular mandates full payment by the company, even though the company is willing to provide them with employment due to being in an essential service industry (Coal Mines)?

In the case of essential service industries, there is no question of refusing work by the contract labor. Work is available, and if they refuse to work or are absent from the workplace, then no salary is to be paid.