The Delhi government has directed private offices in the national capital to operate with a maximum of 50 per cent staff physically present at workplaces, with the remaining employees required to work from home, in view of GRAP Stage IV restrictions due to severe air pollution. However, exemptions have been granted in certain areas including public and private health establishments, transport, sanitation and emergency services.

According to an advisory issued by the Labour Department, the direction follows amendments made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after hearings and consultations held in November. It said the decision was taken to curb vehicular movement, which significantly contributes to air pollution, particularly when air quality levels are very poor.