Delhi imposes 50% work-from-home in offices to curb pollution
Delhi imposes 50% work-from-home in offices to curb pollution
Delhi's GRAP plan mandates 50% work-from-home for both government and private offices to cut commuting and vehicle emissions, with penalties for violations.
Amid rising pollution in Delhi, the government announced a sweeping move under the Graded Response Action Plan to curb vehicle use by mandating 50% work-from-home for both government and private offices, starting Thursday, December 18. The aim is to reduce office commutes and cut vehicular emissions, improving air quality in the capital. Administrative Secretaries and Heads of Departments in government offices may call officers to the office as needed to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential and emergency public services. Private offices are required to implement staggered working hours wherever feasible, maintain strict compliance with work-from-home norms, and minimize vehicular movement associated with office commutes. The Labour Department has been directed to provide ₹10,000 in compensation directly into the accounts of registered workers affected by the 16-day construction shutdown under GRAP-3. Institutions found violating these rules will be heavily fined. In the education sector, the Delhi Directorate of Education, along with NDMC, MCD, and the Delhi Cantonment Board, has ordered schools to offer both physical and online classes wherever feasible until further orders. Schools are to hold classes for students up to Class 9 and 11 in hybrid mode where feasible. This policy signals a concerted effort to curb pollution by reducing daily travel, while ensuring essential public services continue and students’ education adapts to changing conditions.
