New Delhi: In the wake of deteriorating air quality, the central government on Thursday declared staggered working timings for its employees in Delhi. Apart from this, the order issued by the Union personnel ministry asked the employees to pool vehicles and use public transport to minimise 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.
Specific Timings for Offices
Due to the severe-plus air pollution levels in Delhi, multiple departments, organisations and even ministries have been asked to adopt staggered timing in respect of offices located in the Delhi-National Capital Region. The order further stated that 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 minimise vehicular pollution," it added.
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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).
The move assumes significance as a body representing the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) officers had on November 18 demanded work-from-home, staggered working hours and air purifiers in all office buildings to mitigate the health impact of the severe pollution levels.
(With Inputs from PTI)