The Bengal government will celebrate Independence Day in a truncated manner on the Red Road in Calcutta this year in the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“A limited number of guests will be invited to the programme. The chief minister will deliver her address and felicitate some Covid warriors, including doctors, nurses and policemen, after the police, paramilitary forces and NCC cadets give guard of honour to the chief minister,” said a senior state government official.

Sources said the ministry of home affairs had issued guidelines on Independence Day celebrations and hence the ceremony had been truncated.

“Unlike previous years, entry of general spectators could be restricted and wearing masks and maintaining social distance would be made a must during the programme,” said a source.