IT employee union NITES asked the Ministry of Labour and Employment to issue a mandatory work-from-home (WFH) for all companies and digitally deliverable service sectors, in the “larger national interest.” The request comes on the heels of the Prime Minister’s advisory to all companies to employ WFH for employees to battle economic pressures.

Stressing that the Indian IT sector proved its mettle in terms of functionality in WFH conditions during the Covid-lockdown, NITES said the intention of the advisory is not confrontation with employers but collective national cooperation.

“Such an advisory would significantly contribute towards reduction of fuel consumption, traffic congestion, environmental burden, and unnecessary travel while preserving uninterrupted economic activity through digital means,” said Harpreet Singh Saluja, President, Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES).

The union argued that the pandemic clearly established how mandatory WFH is suitable for IT and digitally deliverable roles, with sector officials repeatedly acknowledging that operations remained stable under remote working conditions.

“Employees in metropolitan cities spend several hours daily travelling despite performing work that can effectively be delivered remotely. This not only impacts physical and mental health, but also results in avoidable fuel usage and environmental burden at a time when the nation is consciously discussing conservation and efficiency,” NITES said in the letter.

Queries sent to companies on their reaction to the WFH mandate have not received a response yet. On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens and establishments to adopt measures such as WFH, virtual meetings, and reduction in “unnecessary travel” due to fuel concerns and the larger economic situation arising from global geopolitical developments.

Published on May 11, 2026