Ministries pitch proposals for work-from-home framework

NEW DELHI: Three days of work from the office and two days from home, reduced childcare leave and Make in India laptops for government employees are among the suggestions the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has received for its work-from-home framework in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.

Over two subsequent review meetings on Wednesday and Thursday, the department received feedback from nearly 80 ministries and departments for the draft proposal pitched May 13.

“Two meetings were held where feedback has been received from over 110 stakeholders,” a senior official who was part of the meetings said on condition of anonymity . “The data will be analysed before a final policy is decided, but most are in favour of work-from-home for at least some time now.”

According to DARPG’s Twitter handle, the department’s additional secy V Srinivas chaired second interministerial meeting, comprising representatives from 37 ministries, on Thursday.

“The IT ministry has suggested an alternate day week, that is, three days from office and two days work from home,” the senior official cited above said.

On Monday, the Department of Personnel and Training issued

THREE DAYS OF WORK FROM OFFICE AND TWO DAYS FROM HOME, REDUCED CHILDCARE LEAVE ARE AMONG SUGGESTIONS FROM MINISTRIES AND DEPTS

instructions for alternate day work weeks with 50% attendance and staggered timings for officials and staff below the rank of deputy secretary.

“A recommendation of reduced childcare leave, as most officials are working from home and Make in India laptops has also been made,” said a second official.

Encryption for laptops, time discipline and a dress code were also discussed at the meeting. “We also talked about creating a small office space at home,” said the first official.

The department is waiting for a response from the ministry of home affairs on security features because a number of confidential documents may have to be accessed remotely.

“We have recommended office laptops be used as they are encrypted,” a DARPG official said, adding the use of private laptops is also being discussed.