Amid worsening air pollution, the Delhi Labour Department on Tuesday announced work-from-home norms for government offices and business establishments across the national capital under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
As per the order, only 50 percent attendance will be permitted in offices from December 18, while the remaining staff will work remotely. Departments have also been directed to implement flexible working hours. Essential services such as healthcare, jails, public transport, electricity and other critical departments have been exempted from these restrictions.
Compensation for Construction Workers
The Labour Department said that all registered construction workers will be provided ₹10,000 as compensation for loss of wages during the period when construction activity was halted due to GRAP restrictions.
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Construction work remained suspended for 16 days while Delhi was under GRAP Stage 3. Compensation for workers affected during GRAP Stage 4 will be calculated once the restrictions are lifted. Officials added that the registration portal remains open to allow more workers to enrol and avail relief.
Air Quality Remains Very Poor
The announcement comes as Delhi’s air quality showed only marginal improvement on Wednesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 328, still falling in the ‘very poor’ category.
Dense smog continued to blanket large parts of the city, reducing visibility during early morning hours. An AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as ‘very poor’, while levels above 401 are considered ‘severe’.
Schools Shift to Online and Hybrid Modes
The Delhi government has also discontinued physical classes for students from nursery to Class 5, with all learning to continue online.
Students of Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11 will attend schools in hybrid mode, allowing a choice between online and in-person classes.
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Restrictions on Polluting Vehicles
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said vehicles below BS-VI standards and those registered outside Delhi will not be allowed to enter the city when GRAP Stages 3 and 4 are in force.
“The government will not allow any polluting vehicle to enter Delhi,” the minister said, reiterating the administration’s commitment to enforcing anti-pollution measures.
