In these unprecedented times when countries are under lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak, many global companies such as Twitter are giving work from home option for ‘forever’ to its employees. On similar grounds, many companies and departments across public and private sectors are considering ‘work from home’ (WFH) as a great tool to keep its employees safe and productive from the comfort of their home.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has come out with a draft framework for WFH option that seeks to facilitate smooth remote operation of e-office in all central ministries and departments. According to media reports, the proposed WFH framework states that DoPT may provide option of WFH to the eligible officers/ staff for 15 days in a year as a matter of policy.
Currently, around 75 ministries and departments are using e-office platform of which 57 have achieved more than 80% of their work in e-office. The remaining ministries/departments would also endeavour for expeditious implementation of e-office in a time bound manner, states the WFH consultation paper. Comments of all ministries and departments have been sought on the draft by May 21, 2020.
As per the draft WFH norms, no classified information shall be handled through e-office. NIC may evaluate the existing security protocol for remote access of classified file/ information in consultation with MHA and propose suitable guidelines and standard operating procedures for handling classified information in e-office. Till the time classified files shall be processed on standalone computers only.
As per the draft WFH framework, NIC video conferencing facility shall be leveraged to organise important meetings while working from home. Officers and staff shall attend the meetings by activating VC link forwarded to them by NIC in formal meeting set up. VCs shall also be used as far as possible in office environment to maintain social distancing.
Also, employees who are working from home shall be available on phone as per requirements and directions of their officers.
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