Government Of India To Introduce Legal Framework For WFH Culture Across India

Considering the growing work from home (WFH) culture, the Indian Government is planning to regulate it.

On the 6th of December, Monday, the Central Government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) decided to introduce a legal framework for employees working remotely or on a hybrid schedule.

A government official, who wished to be anonymous, said a consultancy firm is working to regulate the ''work from home'' framework. The source said, "A consultancy firm is being roped in to determine ‘future of work’ in the backdrop of the pandemic and the benefits it brings to stakeholders."

According to the media source, the legal framework would address electricity bills, Internet bills, working hours, and other business' responsibilities and issues of employees and employers. It will be introduced in India's all working sectors, making working smooth and easy for workers in remote situations.

After the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit India, many companies including ITs and digital media adapted work from home culture. In order to continue work progress and ensure safety from COVID-19, it was given even before nationwide lockdown was announced. In addition, many companies are still allowing WFH to their employees, especially when the nation is fearing a new variant of COVID-19, which is Omicron.

Notably, in January the BJP led Central Government formalised work from home for service sectors by issuing a standing order. According to the standing order, employees and employers could mutually decide on working hours and other remote work conditions. Now, the Government of India (GoI) is mulling to introduce a legal framework, making work from home more convenient and smooth.