Delhi mandates 50% WFH; affected construction workers to receive ₹10,000
What's the story
The Delhi government has issued new guidelines mandating 50% of employees in offices to work from home. The move is aimed at tackling the city's severe air quality crisis. Officials said this step is aimed at cutting down on traffic and reducing exposure to toxic pollutants. The guidelines come into immediate effect, with companies required to comply for the health and safety of their employees. It has warned that individuals who violate the regulation will face fines.
Business compliance
Government urges businesses to support remote work transition
In addition, residents are advised to stay indoors as much as possible and take precautions if they need to go outside. The Labor Department also announced that all registered construction workers would receive ₹10,000 in compensation for lost work during the period when work was halted owing to GRAP restrictions. Construction activities was halted for 16 days when Delhi was under GRAP Stage III. Compensation for GRAP Stage 4 will be computed after the curbs are removed.
AQI
AQI in 'very poor' category
The announcement comes as Delhi's air quality improved little on Wednesday morning, with the AQI reported at 328, still in the 'very poor' category. On December 14, Delhi recorded one of the worst air quality of the season, with an AQI of 441 in the evening. The increasing air quality prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to rapidly implement Grap IV, the harshest anti-pollution regulations, throughout the capital.