New Delhi: The Centre is not currently considering any proposal to make work-from-home (WFH) mandatory for the IT sector, government sources clarified on Wednesday following discussions triggered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to reduce fuel consumption amid rising global energy prices.
According to reports, sources stated that the IT industry has already widely adopted hybrid work models after the Covid-19 pandemic, and therefore no formal directive on mandatory remote working is under consideration at present.
Officials further clarified that any policy decision related to compulsory work-from-home arrangements falls under the jurisdiction of the Labour Ministry, adding that “nothing is in the works currently.”
The clarification came after PM Modi urged citizens to conserve fuel and adopt measures such as reviving work-from-home practices, reducing non-essential spending, and avoiding overseas vacations to help the country deal with economic pressures arising from ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Prime Minister highlighted India’s heavy dependence on imported fuel and stressed that reducing fuel consumption would help save foreign exchange reserves at a time when crude oil prices are witnessing a sharp rise globally.
He also encouraged people to prefer domestic tourism and local celebrations instead of destination weddings and foreign holidays.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Malhotra, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, warned that if the conflict in the Middle East continues, India may eventually have to increase petrol and diesel prices due to soaring global crude oil costs.
The RBI Governor noted that rising energy prices linked to the Iran conflict are putting pressure on India’s inflation management framework. He indicated that if the West Asia crisis persists, higher fuel prices could increase transportation costs and push inflation upward.
The RBI’s next monetary policy meeting is scheduled for June 5, where key interest rates will be reviewed.
According to a report by Crisil Ratings, Brent crude prices are expected to average between 90 and 95 US dollars per barrel in FY27, around 32 percent higher compared to the previous year.
With inputs from IANS