With Delhi under tighter pollution curbs, the Labour Department on Tuesday announced work-from-home norms for government offices and compensation for construction workers affected by the prolonged shutdown
of construction activity under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
As per the department’s decision, only 50 percent attendance will be allowed in offices and business establishments across the national capital starting December 18, while the remaining staff will work from home. Offices have also been asked to introduce flexible working hours. Essential services including jails, health services, public transport, electricity and other critical departments have been exempted from these restrictions.
The department also said all registered construction workers will receive Rs 10,000 as compensation for loss of work during the period when construction was halted due to GRAP restrictions. Construction activity remained stopped for 16 days while Delhi was under GRAP Stage 3. Compensation related to GRAP Stage 4 will be calculated once the curbs are lifted.
Officials said the registration portal remains open, allowing more construction workers to enrol and become eligible for relief.
The announcement comes as Delhi’s air quality showed marginal improvement on Wednesday morning, with the AQI recorded at 328, still in the ‘very poor’ category. Large parts of the city remained under dense smog, with visibility reduced during early morning hours.
