India’s central government allows 50% of staff to WFH

The directive was issued by the Personnel Ministry, which also said persons with disabilities and pregnant employees are exempted from reporting to the office.

In addition, central government officers/staff will have to observe staggered working hours to avoid overcrowding in the offices, said the directive.

All officers/staff residing in COVID-19 containment areas have also been exempted from reporting for work onsite until these containment zones are de-notified, the ministry said in the directive issued to all central government departments. 

“Physical attendance of government servants below the level of Under Secretary shall be restricted to 50% of the actual strength and the remaining 50% shall work from home,” the directive said, according to Economic Times.

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India’s capital city New Delhi is planning a lockdown this coming weekend as it grapples with a fresh surge in coronavirus cases, partly fuelled by the fast-spreading Omicron variant. All residents other than essential workers have been asked to stay home from Friday night till Monday morning.