In a significant move to mitigate the economic impact of stringent anti-pollution measures, the Delhi government has announced a financial relief package for affected workers. The administration will provide a one-time compensation of Rs 10,000 to workers whose livelihoods have been disrupted due to the restrictions imposed to combat the severe air quality crisis.
Mandatory Work-From-Home Order Issued
Alongside the relief announcement, the government has mandated a major shift in work culture to reduce vehicular emissions and public movement. A senior minister stated that all government and private institutions must compulsorily adopt a work-from-home model for 50 per cent of their staff. This directive comes into effect from Thursday, 18 December 2025. Institutions failing to comply with this order will face strict action, although the specific penalties were not detailed in the initial announcement.
Details of the Financial Assistance Scheme
The Rs 10,000 aid is targeted specifically at daily wage workers and labourers in sectors most affected by the periodic restrictions, such as construction and certain transport operations. The decision underscores the government's attempt to balance public health imperatives with economic survival for the city's most vulnerable workforce. The exact mechanism for application and distribution of the funds is expected to be clarified by the concerned departments shortly.
Context and Expected Impact
This dual-pronged approach of enforcing pollution control while offering direct financial support highlights the acute pressure on authorities to address Delhi's perennial winter air pollution. The work-from-home order for half the workforce is one of the most extensive such mandates implemented in the city, aiming to significantly cut down on traffic congestion and associated pollution. The success of these measures hinges on strict enforcement and widespread compliance from both corporate entities and government offices.
The announcements were made on 17 December 2025, as the city continued to grapple with hazardous air quality levels. The government's strategy now combines regulatory action with social welfare, setting a precedent for how urban centres might manage similar environmental and public health emergencies in the future.
