Delhi Implements 50% Mandatory Work From Home Amid Severe Air Pollution Crisis

Air Pollution Crisis: As part of a significant emergency, the Delhi government has implemented drastic pollution-control measures under GRAP III and IV, forcing many workplaces to transition to a hybrid work model, with half of their staff working from home starting Thursday.

Labour Minister Kapil Mishra made it clear that the point of this is to reduce the number of people commuting during the day and decrease the number of vehicles on the road, thereby reducing the amount of pollution being emitted. But he also warned institutions that if they don't start playing ball, they can expect some action to be taken.

However, he recognised the impact of these restrictions on livelihoods, and announced ₹10,000 compensation for construction workers who have lost work, reported news agency PTI.

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In the meantime He's also pointed out that Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been in force for 16 whole days now - through that period many workers have struggled to make ends meet because of restrictions on some of thier activities - in a bid to help them out, the government has offered ₹10,000 to struggling workers as a bit of financial assistance.

Employees engaged in essential services, including hospitals, emergency response units, fire services and departments directly involved in pollution control, will not be covered under this scheme, the report said.

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"Similarly, workers will be awarded compensation for the days GRAP IV will remain in place. These benefits will be extended to workers registered with the government. The registration process is ongoing," he said, as quoted in the report.

The minister also criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for staging protests, accusing it of politicising the pollution crisis.

"Their chief minister used to run away during the season, but our chief minister is there on the road. They are indulging in dirty politics. It is our mistake that there is pollution because the problem of 30 years cannot be eradicated within five months," he told the agency.

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