The Labour Commissioner, Delhi, on December 17, 2025, issued an advisory regarding the amendments in the schedule of GRAP.
Pursuant to directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in M.C. Mehta vs Union of India & Ors. and subsequent stakeholder consultations, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has amended the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) schedule issued earlier. As per CAQM Order dated November 21, 2025, a key measure earlier applicable under GRAP Stage IV has now been advanced to GRAP Stage III.
Under the revised provisions, GNCT of Delhi is required to implement work-from-home measures to curb vehicular pollution during periods of very poor air quality. Accordingly, the Government of NCT of Delhi, vide order dated November 24, 2025, has directed that all private offices operating within Delhi shall function with not more than 50% staff physically present at the workplace, while the remaining staff must mandatorily work from home.
Private entities are further required to implement staggered working hours wherever feasible, strictly enforce work-from-home norms, and minimise vehicular movement linked to office commuting. Essential and emergency services—including hospitals, health establishments, fire services, prisons, public transport, utilities, sanitation, disaster management, pollution control and enforcement agencies—are exempted from these directions.
Employers are mandated to comply with the order, and any non-compliance shall attract penal action under Sections 15 and 16 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and other applicable laws.
[Notification No. F.No. Lab/Addl.LC/Misc./2025/4789-4793]
