Work from home is now allowed for a maximum period of one-year. However, it may further be extended for a period of one year at a time.
New Delhi: Following request from the sector, the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a new rule for work from home in special economic zones.
Work from home is now allowed for a maximum period of one-year. However, it may further be extended for a period of one year at a time by the DC on the request of units. In respect of SEZ units whose employees are already working from home, the notification has provided a transition period of 90 days to seek approval.
The notification was issued on demand from the industry for making a provision for a country wide uniform work from home policy across all Special Economic Zones.
As per the new notification, work from home may be extended to maximum 50% of total employees, including contractual employees of the unit. There is flexibility granted to Development Commissioner (DC) of SEZs to approve a higher number of employees (more than 50%) for any bonafide reason to be recorded in writing.
SEZ Units will provide equipment and secured connectivity for the purpose of WFH to perform authorized operations of the units and the permission to take out the equipment is co-terminus with the permission granted to an employee.
After the request from the sector for a uniform rule across the country, the Department of Commerce held several rounds of discussions with various stakeholders before firming up the notification.
The notification under Rule 43A provides work from home for employees of IT/ITeS SEZ units, employees, who are temporarily incapacitated, employees, who are travelling and employees, who are working offsite.
