The Delhi Labour Department on Tuesday enforced work-from-home (WFH) for 50% of the workforce in government and private offices while announcing a ₹10,000 compensation package for construction workers hit by the smog-induced shutdown.
December 17, 2025: As toxic smog continues to blanket the National Capital Region (NCR), the Delhi Labour Department has issued a mandatory directive to curb vehicular movement and reduce outdoor exposure.
Mandatory WFH: Starting Wednesday, December 18, all government offices (under GNCTD) and private establishments must operate at only 50% staff strength physically present. The remaining 50% will work from home.
Flexible Hours: Establishments are encouraged to introduce staggered working hours to further de-congest the city during peak traffic periods.
Essential Services Exempted: Critical departments—including healthcare, public transport, electricity, water, sanitation, and prisons—are exempt and will continue at full capacity.
MCD Timings: Offices under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will follow separate staggered timings (8:30 AM to 5:00 PM), while general government offices will function from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Financial Relief: ₹10,000 for Construction Workers
The prolonged suspension of construction activity under GRAP Stage 3 (and recently Stage 4) has severely impacted the livelihoods of daily wage laborers. To mitigate this, the government has announced a direct benefit transfer (DBT) plan:
- Lump Sum Payment: All registered construction workers will receive ₹10,000 as compensation for the loss of work during the 16-day construction halt.
- Registration Portal Open: Workers who are not yet enrolled can still register on the Labour Department’s portal to become eligible for current and future relief.
- Stage 4 Relief: Officials stated that additional compensation for the days under Stage 4 restrictions will be calculated once those curbs are officially lifted.
Air Quality Status: Still ‘Very Poor’
Despite a slight improvement in wind speed, Delhi’s air quality remains in the ‘very poor’ category, with the overall AQI recorded at 328 on Wednesday morning. Visibility at IGI Airport and major highways like NH-24 remains low during early hours due to a persistent layer of dense smog.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also reiterated that from December 18, fuel will only be dispensed to vehicles with a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, further tightening the city’s grip on vehicular emissions.