Due to the consistently poor Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital, the central government has implemented staggered working hours for its employees.
The Union Personnel Ministry’s order states that government offices will operate from 9 am to 5:30 pm and from 10 am to 6:30 pm.
It also encourages employees to use carpooling and public transport to help reduce vehicle-related pollution.
The order stated, “These measures should not negatively impact productivity and can be adopted by ministries, departments, and organizations based on their functional needs.”
It further mentioned that due to the severe air pollution in Delhi, central government ministries, departments, and organizations are advised to implement different office timings for those located in the Delhi-National Capital Region (Delhi-NCR).
According to PTI, the order stated that offices can operate from 9 am to 5:30 pm or 10 am to 6:30 pm.
It also advised encouraging officers and employees using private vehicles to carpool and use public transport to help reduce vehicle-related pollution.
After a week of ‘severe’ pollution, Delhi’s air quality has slightly improved but still remains in the ‘very poor’ category.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 376 in the national capital at 9 am on Thursday.
This move is significant as, on November 18, a body representing Central Secretariat Service (CSS) officers had called for work-from-home options, staggered work hours, and the installation of air purifiers in all offices due to the severe pollution levels.
In a letter to the secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the CSS Forum stated that the poor air quality is significantly affecting the workplace.
It mentioned that employees are experiencing symptoms like respiratory issues, eye irritation, fatigue, and general discomfort.
