Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday that the commerce ministry is considering to allow 100 percent work from home (WFH) for employees of units in special economic zones (SEZ).
Currently, the Centre allows 50% of the overall staff of a company based out of a Special Economic Zones (SEZ) to work from home for a maximum period of one year.
The government had notified a new rule in July which allowed 50% of the overall staff of a company based out of a Special Economic Zones (SEZ) to work from home.
Delhi | We've decided to allow work from home in all SEZ sectors as a request for it has come from many quarters. It'll create employment opportunities in small cities & increase the export of services: Union Minister Piyush Goyal after attending Board of Trade meeting pic.twitter.com/3bbECcjTLt
— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2022
Piyush Goyal said that the government has received requests from several quarters that still there are COVID-related restrictions in several places across the country.
Due to this condition, many employees are hesitant and not coming to the office. The minister said WFH can help in creating job opportunities in smaller cities like Rajkot and Una.
Piyush Goyal said, “We had permitted work from home in SEZ units during COVID times. It was appreciated by all and it also helped in pushing our services exports. It was USD 254 billion last year. This year also there will be a jump in that.”
“It is in the interest of the country to allow work from home (WFH),” he said, adding it would be for all sectors in special economic zones (SEZs).
