Delhi govt mandates two-day WFH for employees after PM Modi's austerity call
In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s austerity push amid Global energy crisis, the Delhi government has announced a two-day mandatory work-from-home for its employees, aimed at fuel conservation.
by Samta Pahuja · Zee NewsThe Delhi government has announced a major 90-day campaign titled “Mera Bharat Mera Yogdan Abhiyan” to promote fuel conservation, reduce unnecessary expenses, and encourage the use of Made-in-India products. The campaign, starting from May 15, 2026, includes several new measures for government offices, private companies, schools, colleges, and the general public.
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Here's everything you need to know:-
Two days of WFH
All Delhi government employees will now work from home two days every week. Private companies, institutions, and offices have been requested to adopt the same system based on what works for their operations.
The Labour Department will oversee how these guidelines are being followed and has set up a single helpline for anyone navigating issues around flexible working arrangements.
Official meetings move online
50% of official meetings will now be conducted virtually. The goal is simple - less travel, less fuel, less time lost in transit. Colleges and universities have been advised along similar lines: non-practical classes, guest lectures, and internal meetings should shift online wherever that's feasible. Online hearings are being encouraged across the board for the same reasons.
Fuel limits cut by 20% for government officials
The fuel allocations for officials and government vehicles have been trimmed by 20%. In practical terms, a monthly limit of 200 litres drops to 160. A 250-litre limit becomes 200. Official vehicles will only be deployed when there's a genuine need. The Delhi government won't be purchasing any new petrol, diesel, or CNG vehicles for the next six months.
Metro monday
Every Monday is now "Metro Monday." Ministers and government officials will commute to their offices by metro rather than official vehicles, visibly demonstrating what they're asking citizens to do.
Office hours are shifting
Delhi government offices will now operate from 10:30 am to 7 pm. MCD offices will run from 8:30 am to 5 pm. The staggered timings are designed to ease the worst of peak-hour congestion and improve traffic flow across the city.
No Vehicle Day
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has personally appealed to Delhi residents to voluntarily skip private vehicle use one day every week. The government believes that if enough people participate, the collective impact on fuel consumption, pollution, and traffic pressure would be real and measurable.
Changes to public transport and cargo movement
Domestic transport fuel usage is being cut by 20%. To support people making the shift to public transport, 58 new buses will be introduced across 29 government colonies. Business owners are being encouraged to use rail and goods trains for cargo movement to save diesel.
On the employee side, transport allowance for government staff has been increased from 25% to 35%, a 10 percentage point rise — to make public commuting a more practical choice.
Made-in-India Gets a Formal Push
The campaign has a strong domestic manufacturing angle. Exhibitions will be organised, and dedicated "Made in India" corners will be set up to promote Indian-made products. Official procurement will prioritise goods manufactured in India. Citizens will be invited to take a pledge supporting local products.
Schools, colleges, institutions, and companies are all expected to participate in awareness drives and pledge campaigns across the 90-day window.
Energy conservation in government offices
Air conditioners in all government offices must be set between 24°C and 26°C - no exceptions. Fans, lights, and master plugs must be switched off when not in use. These might sound like small asks, but the government has made a point of saying the cumulative electricity savings over time are anything but small.
Foreign travel and public events
Foreign trips are off the table for the next year unless absolutely unavoidable. Public events and conferences are being reduced to cut unnecessary spending and travel. Citizens have also been advised to rethink non-essential purchases - gold, excessive vehicle use, and unnecessary oil consumption all get a specific mention.
The EV policy
The Delhi government has confirmed its new Electric Vehicle policy is finalised and ready to go. It's positioned as part of the city's longer-term plan to reduce dependence on petrol and diesel - the 90-day campaign being the immediate push, the EV policy being the structural shift that follows.
"Mera Bharat Mera Yogdan Abhiyan" is asking something of everyone government officials, private sector employers, college students, daily commuters, and ordinary residents. The measures range from the structural to the symbolic. Metro Mondays. Work from home. Fuel caps. Made-in-India pledges. Taken individually, each is a modest change. Taken together, over 90 days, the government is betting they add up to something Delhi actually feels.