Delhi Air Pollution: Centre announces staggered work timings for employees

The Centre on Thursday, announced staggered working hours for its employees due to the severe Delhi air pollution, as per an order issued by the Union Ministry of Personnel.

Employees have also been instructed to share vehicles and use public transportation to reduce vehicular pollution.

The order stated, “These measures may be adopted by ministries/departments/organisations based on their functional needs, ensuring they do not negatively affect efficiency and productivity in any way.”

In response to the hazardous air quality levels in Delhi, various central government ministries, departments, and organisations in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) have been advised to implement staggered timings for their offices.

The order specifies that offices may operate from 9 am to 5:30 pm or from 10 am to 6:30 pm.

“Staff and officers using personal vehicles should be encouraged to carpool or use public transport to reduce vehicular pollution,” the order added.

After a week of ‘severe’ pollution levels, Delhi’s air quality has improved slightly but remains in the ‘very poor’ category.

At 9 am on Thursday, the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 376, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

This move is notable as a body representing Central Secretariat Service (CSS) officers had, on November 18, called for work-from-home arrangements, staggered working hours, and air purifiers in office buildings to reduce the health impacts of the severe Delhi air pollution.

Also Read: Delhi’s Toxic Air: 1 in 3 children suffer from respiratory illness, nebulizer sales soar amid crisis

In a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the CSS Forum highlighted that the poor air quality was visibly affecting workplace productivity, with employees reporting symptoms such as respiratory issues, eye irritation, fatigue, and general discomfort.

(With inputs from PTI)