In a critical move to tackle hazardous air quality, the Delhi government has mandated 50 per cent work from home (WFH) for all government and private sector employees starting Thursday, 18 December 2025.
Announced by Labour Minister Kapil Mishra, this emergency measure is part of GRAP III and IV protocols aimed at slashing vehicular emissions. Organizations failing to comply with the staff cap face strict penal action.
To support those economically hit by the smog, the government also announced a ₹10,000 compensation for registered construction workers rendered jobless due to the ongoing ban on construction activities.
GRAP III and IV
The national capital has been shrouded in a thick, toxic smog for days, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) repeatedly crossing the “severe” and “severe plus” thresholds. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), prompting the government to enforce the 50 per cent attendance limit.
By reducing the number of commuters on the road, authorities aim to lower nitrogen dioxide levels and particulate matter. This remote work directive is a mandatory order, not an advisory, making it a legal requirement for all businesses operating within the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
Compensation for Impacted
Recognizing that pollution curbs often hit the most vulnerable hardest, Labour Minister Kapil Mishra announced significant financial aid. Registered construction workers, whose livelihoods were halted under GRAP III and IV restrictions, will receive ₹10,000 directly into their accounts.
The minister noted that Stage III has been in force for 16 days, and the compensation covers this period as well as the upcoming days under Stage IV. This relief measure excludes essential service providers like hospital staff, emergency responders, and fire services, who continue to operate at full capacity to ensure city safety during this environmental emergency.
Strict Enforcement
The Delhi administration has issued a stern warning to all corporate and government heads: compliance is non-negotiable. Labour Minister Kapil Mishra stated that the move is essential to “cut daily commuting and reduce vehicular emissions.” Monitoring teams will be deployed to verify that institutions are adhering to the staff cap.
Alongside WFH, other stringent measures include a ban on non-BS-VI diesel vehicles and the use of AI cameras to track Pollution Under Control (PUCC) violations. Public and private schools have also shifted to hybrid or online modes for most classes to protect children from the hazardous air.
Political Friction
The pollution crisis has also triggered a political storm in the capital. Minister Mishra criticised the opposition for “dirty politics,” asserting that a problem spanning three decades cannot be resolved in a few months.
While the current administration claims to be active on the ground, critics point to the recurring nature of this seasonal emergency. Amidst the blame game, the focus remains on immediate mitigation.
The government has also banned refueling for vehicles without a valid PUC certificate, effective from Thursday, adding another layer of enforcement to ensure only compliant vehicles ply the city’s roads.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The return of the toxic “Great Smog” of Delhi highlights a systemic failure in urban planning and environmental governance. While the 50 per cent work from home mandate is a necessary emergency brake, it is an indictment of our inability to secure breathable air for the citizens.
We appreciate the government’s efforts to compensate construction workers, as environmental justice must include economic support for those who lose their wages to save the city’s lungs.
However, we must move beyond these seasonal “emergency modes” and demand year-round action on industrial waste, dust control, and green public transport.
