New Delhi

The Delhi government on Wednesday directed private offices in the national capital to ensure that not more than 50 per cent of their staff attend workplaces physically, with the remaining employees required to work from home, in view of GRAP Stage IV restrictions imposed due to severe air pollution.

The directive, issued by the Labour Department, follows amendments made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to the Graded Response Action Plan after consultations and hearings held in November.

The advisory warned that violations of the order would attract penal action under Sections 15 and 16 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and other applicable laws.

The government said the measure aims to reduce vehicular movement, a major contributor to air pollution, particularly during periods of very poor air quality.

Under the order, all private offices operating within the National Capital Territory of Delhi must ensure mandatory work-from-home for at least half of their workforce. Offices have also been advised to implement staggered working hours wherever feasible and strictly adhere to work-from-home norms to minimise commuting-related traffic.

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However, exemptions have been granted to essential services, including public and private health establishments, fire services, prisons, public transport, electricity, water supply, sanitation and other municipal services, disaster management agencies, and departments engaged in air pollution control, monitoring and enforcement activities.