Work-from-Home Mandatory for Half of Delhi’s Workforce as GRAP Stage 3 Kicks In

New Delhi: The Delhi government on Monday directed all government and private offices in the capital to send at least 50% of their employees to work from home. This decision has been taken after the changes made in GRAP. Earlier this rule was part of Stage-4, but now it will be implemented in Stage-3.

Why was the instruction given to reduce staff?

In view of the increasing pollution in the city, the government believes that reducing the number of vehicles commuting to offices will provide some relief in emissions. For this reason, now only half the employees will be physically present in both government and private offices.

How was the order legally enforced?

The Environment Department has issued a notification under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. It says that those offices which do not follow the instructions will have to face legal action.

How will government offices work?

Secretary-level officers and department heads will come to the office regularly, but the attendance of the rest of the staff will not be more than 50%. Only those employees who have to ensure essential or emergency services will be able to come to the office on additional days.

What are the rules for private offices?

Private companies have also been instructed to call only half the employees to the office and get the rest to work from home. Companies have been asked to emphasize flexible timings, less office travel, and strict adherence to work-from-home.

Which services are exempted?

This rule will not apply to essential services.

These include—

• Hospitals and health services
• Fire Service
• Prison
• Public transport
• Electricity-Water-Sanitation
• Disaster management
• Essential services of municipal bodies
• Departments related to pollution control

Will this step be implemented in every Stage-3?

The government has clarified that this work-from-home rule will automatically come into effect as soon as Stage-3 of GRAP is implemented. There will be no need to issue a new order every time.

Why did GRAP change?

CAQM revised GRAP after the Supreme Court hearing on Delhi's poor air quality on 22 November. Many measures were brought down one stage so that strictness could be implemented before pollution increased. The work-from-home solution has also been taken forward under these changes.

What other steps has the government taken?

Staggered timing has already been implemented to reduce crowding in MCD and GNCTD offices. Also, measures such as better management of power supply and promotion of CNG-electric public transport have now been made part of the initial phases of GRAP.