Delhi govt implements 50 per cent work-from-home policy, urges private offices to follow suit

PTI, NEW DELHI, NOV 20, 2024 :  The Delhi government announced on Wednesday that 50 percent of its staff and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) employees will work from home until the restrictions under the fourth stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) are lifted. However, 18 essential and medical services departments, including healthcare, sanitation, public transport, fire services, law enforcement, power supply, water treatment, and emergency response operations, will continue to operate at full capacity to ensure that public services remain unaffected.

The Delhi government employs approximately 1.4 lakh people across nearly 80 departments and different agencies, including the MCD. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai urged private offices, industries, and businesses to implement similar measures to help mitigate the city's ongoing air pollution crisis.

According to the order, all government offices under the Government of NCT of Delhi will operate with half of their staff present, while the other half will work remotely. Administrative secretaries and department heads have been instructed to ensure that essential services remain uninterrupted, with officers concerned attending the office as needed. The order will remain in effect until GRAP Stage-IV restrictions are lifted.

GRAP Stage-IV restrictions include a ban on construction and demolition activities, curbs on diesel vehicles, school closures, and a prohibition on the entry of diesel-powered medium and heavy goods vehicles into Delhi, except those transporting essential goods. Industrial operations contributing to air pollution have also been restricted.

On Wednesday, Delhi witnessed yet another day under a blanket of toxic air, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 426, categorized as "severe." This followed the coldest night of the season so far, with residents reporting eye irritation, respiratory discomfort, and other health issues.

Minister Rai suggested that private entities consider shifting office hours to begin between 10:30 am and 11 am to reduce vehicular congestion during peak hours. "Adjusting office timings will not only ease traffic pressure but also curb vehicle emissions," he said.

To address vehicular pollution, the government has advised companies with large workforces to arrange shuttle bus services for employees, similar to the measures implemented by the Delhi government for its own staff.

"We are continuously working to reduce pollution levels, and today’s decisions are part of that effort. We hope the situation improves in the coming days," Rai stated.