Delhi Mandates 50% Work From Home as Air Pollution Remains Severe

Pollution Worsens in Delhi, GRAP Measures Force Half of Employees to Stay Home

The Delhi government has imposed a mandatory work-from-home policy for 50% of employees in the public and private sectors as air quality continues to deteriorate. The government has imposed the rule under the Graded Response Action Plan's Stage III and IV with the intent to cut travel for and by vehicles and consequently lower emissions from that source. The order takes effect from Thursday as the pollution level remains in the severe category.

Work From Home to Reduce Vehicular Emissions

Labour Minister Kapil Mishra said the decision was taken to limit road congestion and cut emissions caused by daily commuting. “This step is meant to reduce vehicular emissions. Strict action will be taken against institutions that fail to comply,” he told news agency PTI. 

Offices providing essential services, including hospitals, emergency response units, and pollution-control departments, are exempt from the mandate.

Compensation for Affected Construction Workers

Acknowledging the economic impact of pollution restrictions, the Delhi government announced financial relief for construction workers. Mishra said workers who lost employment due to GRAP restrictions would receive Rs. 10,000 as compensation. 

“Stage III has been enforced for 16 days, during which many workers could not earn. The government has decided to compensate them,” he said, adding that payments would continue during GRAP IV.

Eligibility and Registration Details

The compensation will be provided only to construction workers registered with the government. According to officials, the registration process is still ongoing. “Similarly, workers will be awarded compensation for the days GRAP IV remains in place,” Mishra said. 

Authorities have urged eligible workers to complete registration promptly to ensure timely financial assistance during the extended pollution-control period.

Political Reactions Amid Pollution Crisis

The pollution measures have also triggered political reactions. Mishra criticised the Aam Aadmi Party for staging protests, accusing it of politicising the crisis. “The problem of 30 years cannot be eradicated within five months,” he said, adding that the current administration is taking visible steps on the ground rather than avoiding responsibility during peak pollution season.

Conclusion: A Tough but Necessary Step

Delhi’s decision to enforce working from home is reminiscent of past emergency measures taken during pollution crises; however, the magnitude is larger this time around. Compared to earlier advisories, the mandatory nature of the order signals urgency. As the air quality reveals practically no enhancement, these actions underscore the increasing demand for establishing long-term pollution control; the people still have to cope with the situation of health and economic issues altogether.