An Indian IT employees’ union has urged the government to mandate work-from-home arrangements for companies in the technology sector and other digitally deliverable services, citing national economic pressures and fuel conservation concerns.
The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) said it has written to the Ministry of Labour and Employment seeking a compulsory work-from-home directive, following an appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for organisations to reduce travel and adopt remote working practices.
On Monday, PM Modi called on citizens and establishments to use measures such as work-from-home, virtual meetings and curbs on “unnecessary travel” to ease pressure on fuel consumption and the broader economy, which has been affected by global geopolitical developments.
NITES said the IT sector had demonstrated its ability to function effectively under remote working conditions during the Covid-19 lockdowns, when operations remained largely uninterrupted.
“The intention is not confrontation with employers, but collective national cooperation,” NITES President Harpreet Singh Saluja said in a statement. He added that a mandatory work-from-home policy would help cut fuel usage, reduce traffic congestion and lower environmental stress, while ensuring economic activity continues through digital means.
The union argued that employees in major cities spend hours commuting each day despite working in roles that can be performed remotely, taking a toll on health and contributing to avoidable fuel consumption.
The government has not yet responded publicly to the union’s request. India’s IT industry employs millions of workers and is a key driver of exports and economic growth, with many firms having gradually rolled back remote working policies since the pandemic. |
