Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), representing IT and IT-enabled services workers, has urged Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to issue an advisory mandating work-from-home (WFH) arrangements where operationally feasible.
This request aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent call for citizens to cut fuel use, minimize non-essential travel, and embrace remote work amid global geopolitical tensions and strained fuel supplies.
Proven Success During Pandemic
NITES highlights the IT/ITES sector’s successful shift to large-scale remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Major tech firms, multinationals, software teams, and customer support units operated efficiently from home for years, maintaining productivity, delivering projects, and supporting the economy without disruption.
Investments in remote tools, cybersecurity, cloud systems, and collaboration platforms proved effective. Employees met targets, and business continuity remained intact even in a global crisis.
Addressing Daily Commutes and National Needs
Despite these capabilities, millions of IT employees in metro cities endure long daily commutes for roles suited to digital delivery. This strains fuel supplies, worsens traffic, burdens public transport, and affects worker health and the environment.
The union emphasizes the sector’s responsibility to support national conservation efforts. Implementing WFH now would reduce fuel consumption, ease congestion, and promote efficiency without impacting output.
Details of the Letter
Dated May 11, 2026, the letter to Minister Mansukh Mandaviya at Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi, carries the subject: “Request for issuance of advisory mandating Work From Home for the IT/ITES sector in the national interest.”
President Harpreet Singh Saluja, Advocate at Bombay High Court, writes on behalf of NITES. Key points include:
- PM Modi’s appeal represents a national imperative for fuel savings and reduced travel.
- IT/ITES demonstrated WFH viability on a massive scale, preserving economic stability.
- Current commutes impose unnecessary pressure on resources and well-being.
- Mandatory WFH in feasible roles supports national priorities like conservation and digital resilience.
The letter calls for an advisory directing IT/ITES firms to adopt WFH temporarily. It stresses collaboration between employees, employers, and government, framing the measure as economic and patriotic support rather than conflict.
NITES commits to policies balancing growth, welfare, environment, and national interests, seeking urgent consideration.
