To compat Delhi-NCR's alarming air pollution levels, the Central Government has brought in new directives for central government offices under Stage IV (‘Severe+’) of the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Announced by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) on November 21, 2024, these measures aim to mitigate pollution without disrupting productivity.
The key steps outlined in the memorandum include staggered office timings to ease traffic congestion and reduce vehicle emissions. Employees will now follow one of two shifts:
9:00 AM to 5:30 PM or
10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
To further curb emissions, the government is encouraging employees to carpool or switch to public transportation instead of using personal vehicles.
These measures reflect the government’s commitment to balancing sustainability with efficiency. While addressing air pollution is a priority, the DoPT has emphasized that ministries and departments must ensure uninterrupted operations, tailoring the implementation of these guidelines as necessary to meet functional requirements.
Stage IV of GRAP, the most critical phase, is activated when air quality breaches ‘Severe+’ levels, demanding urgent interventions to safeguard public health. The framework, designed to address pollution in a phased manner, highlights the urgency of these actions in the face of the current environmental emergency.
The memorandum, signed by A.K. Gopal, Under Secretary to the Government of India, calls on all ministries and departments in Delhi-NCR to adopt these measures immediately. For central government employees, this means adapting to new office schedules and embracing eco-friendly commuting options like carpooling and public transport.
As Delhi-NCR continues to grapple with hazardous air quality, these steps underscore the collective effort required to combat pollution while maintaining essential government functions.
🕑 02 Jul, 2025 10:03 AM
Commutation Relief In Sight? Panel Likely To Review 15-Year Deduction Rule
🕑 12 Jun, 2025 08:12 AM
8th Pay Commission: Uncertainty Looms as Employees Await Terms of Reference
🕑 24 Apr, 2025 10:21 PM
Staff Side constitutes panel for drafting memorandum to 8th CPC when formed
🕑 24 Apr, 2025 10:17 PM
8th Pay Commission likely to be set up by mid May
🕑 09 Apr, 2025 10:27 AM
Loan EMIs to get Cheaper as RBI cuts Repo Rate sgain | See the benefit
🕑 04 Apr, 2025 04:49 PM
AICPI-IW declines again, may affect DA hike in July 2025
🕑 02 Apr, 2025 08:27 AM
8th Pay Commission update: Standing Committee of NC-JCM to meet on April 23
🕑 09 Jun, 2025 08:25 AM
π’ UPS vs NPS: The Retirement Dilemma Facing 27 Lakh Government Employees
🕑 04 Apr, 2025 04:46 PM
NPS To UPS Switch from April 1: A Detailed Look at the Option to Switch
🕑 30 Mar, 2025 11:01 AM
8th Pay Commission implementation may get delayed till 2027 β Hereβs why
🕑 27 Mar, 2025 10:25 PM
7th CPC wanted a permanent pay panel, end DA revision twice
🕑 27 Mar, 2025 08:43 AM
8th Pay Commission: What Kind Of Salary Hike Can Be Staff Expected?
🕑 20 Mar, 2025 08:24 AM
Why the commuted pension is restored after 15 years, not 12 years
🕑 17 Mar, 2025 08:37 AM
π Expected Dearness Allowance (DA) from January 2026 Calculator