Centre issues fresh work from home rules

July 20, 2022 Hot from the Oven Valli Sarvani No comments

The central government announced fresh rules for work from home (WFH) in special economic zones (SEZs) in India.

According to new rules, work from home is allowed for up to one year in SEZ units.

They can extend the work from home option to 50 per cent of employees, including contractual employees.

Employees requested the government multiple times regarding work from home.

In this regard, the Department of Commerce notified a new rule 43A for work from home. The new rules were issued for employees working in a certain category of a unit like IT SEZ.

They can apply the rules to employees who are temporarily incapacitated. The same rules apply to employees who are travelling and who are working offsite.

To perform authorized operations while working from home, SEZ units will provide equipment and secured internet connectivity. Employees are granted permission to take out the equipment for performing the work.

The notification says that the flexibility has been granted to the Development Commissioner (DC) of SEZs to allow more employees to work from home. That means though 50 per cent of employees are allowed to work from home, the DC can approve a higher number of employees if there is a valid reason. However, it should be recorded in writing.

Initially, work from home is allowed for a maximum of one year to the employees. If needed, it can be extended for another year by the DC. That means, if units request to continue the work from home option, it can be extended for one more year.

That is the WFH option should be given for a year at a time and continued for another year if it is needed.

Many employees of SEZ units are working from home. In this context, the notification provided a transition period of 90 days to get approval.

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