Work From Home Appeal in IT Sector For Employees: NITES Writes to Centre Citing Fuel Savings, Travel Reduction

IT employee body Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has urged the Union Labour and Employment Ministry to consider issuing an advisory for Work From Home (WFH) in the IT and IT-enabled services (ITES) sector, wherever operationally feasible.

The union has linked its demand to national interest, fuel conservation efforts, and recent appeals made by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi encouraging reduced travel and greater use of remote working.

IT Employees Body Demands Work From Home Advisory, Citing PM Modi's Fuel Saving Appeal

In a letter dated May 11, 2026, addressed to Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, NITES said that many roles in the IT and digital services industry can continue to function effectively from remote locations without impacting productivity. It pointed out that the sector had already demonstrated this capability during the COVID-19 pandemic, when large-scale remote working became the norm across software development, customer support, backend operations and other digital functions.

Work From Home Can Reduce Unnecessary Travel, Fuel Use and Urban Congestion: NITES

The union argued that mandatory physical office attendance in such roles leads to unnecessary commuting, higher fuel consumption, increased traffic congestion in major cities, and added strain on public transport systems. It said that allowing Work From Home in suitable roles could significantly reduce these pressures while supporting broader environmental and economic goals.

NITES also referred to PM Modi's recent appeal urging citizens and organisations to reduce non-essential travel, conserve fuel and adopt virtual meetings and remote work wherever possible. The union said this reflects a larger national responsibility during a period of global geopolitical uncertainty and energy-related challenges.

NITES Flags Daily Long-Distance Commuting Leads to Health and Productivity Loss

The union further stated that daily long-distance commuting by employees, especially in metro cities, affects productivity, health and the environment. It said that reducing unnecessary travel would help lower emissions and ease pressure on urban infrastructure.

Existing Digital Infrastructure Can Support National Priorities Without Disruption

In its representation, NITES highlighted that the IT industry had already invested heavily in digital infrastructure, cloud systems and secure remote working tools during the pandemic, and continued to meet global delivery commitments during that period. It argued that this existing capability can be used again to support national priorities without disrupting business operations.

NITES clarified that its demand is not aimed at creating conflict with employers but is intended to encourage cooperation between industry and government in the larger national interest. It added that WFH, where possible, should be seen as a policy aligned with both economic efficiency and public welfare.

It is important to note that the government has not yet issued any advisory mandating remote work.

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