Staggered Work Timings Announced For Central Govt Employees In Delhi As Air Quality Worsens

New Delhi: As the air quality continues to remain in the 'very poor' category in the national capital, the Centre on Thursday announced staggered working timings for its employees in view of the severe air pollution in Delhi.

According to an order issued by the Union personnel ministry, employees have also been asked to pool vehicles and use public transport to minimize vehicular pollution.

"These measures may be adopted by ministries/departments/organisations as per their functional requirements ensuring that it should not have an adverse impact on efficiency and productivity in any manner," the order read.

Given the severe-plus air pollution levels in Delhi, various ministries, departments and organisations of the central government are advised to adopt staggered timing in respect of offices located in the Delhi-National Capital Region, it said.

Staggered Work Hours Announced For Central Govt Employees

The order said offices can be open from 9 am to 5.30 pm and 10 am to 6.30 pm.

"The officers/staff using personal vehicles should be encouraged to pool vehicles and to use public transport to minimize the vehicular pollution," it added.

After a week of 'severe' pollution levels, Delhi's air quality has improved slightly but is still in the 'very poor' zone.

At 9 am on Thursday, the national capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 376, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

CSS Officers Had Demanded Staggered Work Hours

Earlier on November 18, a body representing the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) officers had called for work-from-home options, staggered working hours, and the installation of air purifiers in all office buildings to address the adverse health effects of severe pollution levels.

In a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the CSS Forum highlighted that the poor air quality was visibly impacting workplace productivity, with employees reporting symptoms such as respiratory problems, eye irritation, fatigue, and overall discomfort.

Delhi's AQI Hovering In Very Poor Category

After reeling under severe air pollution crisis for eight days, the national capital's air quality improved marginally but remained in “very poor" category on Thursday, November 20. The overall air quality index (AQI) of the city was recorded at 379 at 7am as Delhi residents woke up to a slightly better air quality today.

However, the AQI at several air monitoring stations across the city was still recorded above 400, falling under the "severe category." According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Jahangirpuri and Wazirpur recorded the highest level of AQI at 437, followed by Bawana at 419, Ashok Vihar and Mundka (416). According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), temperature in the city is expected to hover between 11 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius in the day.