On 14 May 2026, the Labour Department of NCT of Delhi issued an advisory encouraging employers to implement Work from Home (WFH) policies in response to the need for fuel conservation and environmental protection. The advisory emphasizes reducing daily commuting, which is a major contributor to fuel consumption in urban areas.
Background:
Due to the prevailing situation, it has become imperative to conserve petrol, diesel, and CNG. Daily commuting to workplaces significantly increases the consumption of these fuels, placing pressure on limited resources and contributing to rising air pollution levels.
The success of WFH during the COVID-19 pandemic and GRAP-related environmental emergencies has clearly demonstrated its viability as a long-term solution. Many organizations were able to sustain productivity while employees worked remotely, proving that flexible work arrangements can be both efficient and sustainable.
Key Recommendations:
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Employers of NCT Delhi are encouraged to implement a minimum of two days of WFH per week for eligible employees.
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Organizations may also maintain only 50% workforce presence at workplaces to reduce travel demand.
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To ease traffic congestion during peak hours, employers should introduce flexible or staggered working hours, ensuring a more even distribution of commuting.
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Employees should be encouraged to adopt sustainable modes of transport, such as public transport, carpooling, cycling, or walking.
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Organizations are advised to replace physical meetings with virtual interactions wherever possible to minimize unnecessary travel.
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Employers must ensure strong IT infrastructure and digital support systems to enable seamless and efficient remote work.
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The advisory is aligned with the national initiative “Mera Bharat — Mera Yogdan”, which promotes:
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Fuel conservation
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Healthy lifestyles
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Responsible consumption
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Support for locally made products
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Delhi Government has reiterated the benefits of WFH and emphasized that adopting such measures is of national importance.
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It has also urged employers to encourage and motivate employees to follow fuel-saving commuting practices.
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Certain sectors that are exempted from implementing WFH due to their essential nature, are:
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Healthcare services
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Electricity and water supply
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Sanitation and emergency services
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Also Read: Provision for Work from Home for the Unit introduced vide SEZ (Third Amendment) Rules, 2022
Read more: Work from Home cannot give parent an upper hand regarding child custody matters: Supreme Court
[Delhi WFH Advisory Policy, issued on 14-5-2026]
