New Delhi: The CSS Forum, the official representative body of Central Secretariat Service (CSS) officers, has written to the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), Government of India, requesting measures to safeguard employees’ health amidst worsening pollution levels in Delhi.
The Forum highlighted that the recent surge in air pollution, combined with commuting challenges, is causing health stress for thousands of employees working in the Central Secretariat. The letter emphasized that uniform office timings and overcrowded transport, especially metro stations, are exposing employees to toxic air for prolonged periods, adversely affecting their well-being and productivity.
Key Suggestions by the CSS Forum
In its communication, the CSS Forum proposed several measures to the government –
Partial Work From Home (30–40%)
Offices equipped with Digital India infrastructure could allow a portion of employees to work from home, ensuring efficiency while reducing exposure to polluted air and easing traffic congestion.
Staggered Office Timings
Introducing a minimum two-hour variation in reporting times can reduce crowding at metro stations and on roads, thereby improving commuting conditions and minimizing pollution-related health risks.
Promotion of Digital Workflow
Continued adoption of digital file processing, virtual meetings, and online workflow management can maintain productivity even when employees are working from different locations.
The Forum noted that such measures would not only protect the health and safety of government employees but also ensure uninterrupted functioning of essential government duties without impacting national work commitments.
Digital India as an Enabler
The CSS Forum also praised the Digital India initiatives for enabling government offices to function remotely, citing the COVID-19 period as a successful example of large-scale digital workflow management.
The Forum concluded by requesting the government to examine the suggestions and issue appropriate directions to enhance employee health and administrative efficiency.
