Commerce ministry could allow 100 pc work from home for employees of SEZ units

The commerce ministry is considering to allow 100 per cent work from home for employees of units in special economic zones, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday.

At present, work from home (WFH) is permitted for a maximum period of one year in a special economic zone (SEZ) unit and it can be extended to 50 per cent of the total employees.

Goyal said the government has received requests from several quarters that still there are COVID-related restrictions at several places in different countries and people are not coming to offices.

"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 jump in that," he told reporters.

The minister said WFH can help in creating job opportunities in smaller cities like Rajkot and Una.

"It is in the interest of the country to allow work from home," he said, adding it would be for all sectors in SEZs.

(With PTI inputs)