A Central government employees’ association has urged the Union government to introduce formal guidelines around work-from-home arrangements, virtual meetings and digital collaboration for government offices. The request comes days after a broader push toward reducing avoidable expenditure and fuel consumption amid concerns linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis.
The demand was raised by the Central Secretariat Service Forum, a representative body of officers serving in the Central Secretariat system. The forum called for a structured framework to enable flexible working practices across government departments, arguing that remote work and virtual operations could support productivity and improve administrative efficiency.
The association has sought intervention from the Department of Personnel and Training to create comprehensive policies governing remote work in public offices. It highlighted the need for clear operational guidelines around online meetings and virtual conferencing as digital work models gain greater relevance.
The proposal follows a recent appeal by Narendra Modi encouraging efforts to reduce fuel consumption and lower unnecessary expenditure. Amid evolving geopolitical conditions in West Asia, the Prime Minister had suggested measures such as increased use of public transport, carpooling, electric mobility and work-from-home practices where feasible.
Employee groups believe remote work could also contribute to broader administrative goals, including environmentally sustainable operations and reduced commuting-related costs. The CSS Forum has linked the proposal to the idea of creating a more digitally-enabled and environmentally conscious government ecosystem.
Support for the proposal has also emerged from other employee bodies. The All India NPS Employees Federation has backed the call for remote working arrangements and greater use of virtual interactions, signalling wider support among employee groups! for a more flexible approach to government work practices.