NDMC announces WFH, EV parking discount and shuttle buses for staff
New Delhi, May 14
Kuljeet Singh Chahal, Vice Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Council, on Thursday announced a 50 per cent discount in parking fee for EV vehicles, work-from-home for staff and shuttle bus services between the civic agency's offices and residential colonies for fuel conservation.
Chahal said, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fuel conservation, environmental protection and promotion of digital work culture, orders have been issued to implement work-from-home (WFH) with immediate effect for eligible employees.
He said the initiatives aim to cut commuting, conserve fuel and make the administrative work system more effective through digital means.
Chahal stated that under the new arrangement, up to 33 per cent of Group 'B' and Group 'C' employees in identified departments will be permitted to work from home as per requirement.
To encourage eco-friendly transportation, he said a proposal has been moved to provide 50 per cent concession in parking charges for electric vehicles in NDMC parking areas.
As a major step towards reducing fuel consumption, traffic congestion and vehicular pollution, NDMC will start shuttle bus services for employees residing in four major residential colonies from Friday.
The service will cover areas like Palika Awas, Sarojini Nagar; Palika Gram, Laxmibai Nagar; Amrit Kal Niwas, Jor Bagh Road and Bapu Dham Flats, Chanakyapuri.
The NDMC will expand the shuttle bus network to 14 additional residential locations with deployment of 16 buses, he said.
Chahal announced that every Monday, all Heads of Departments and officers will commute through Metro or other modes of public transport as part of a special sustainability initiative.
Employees will also be encouraged to use public transport, carpooling and shared mobility systems to reduce dependency on private vehicles, he said.
For official field inspections and site visits, officers will use shared 16-seater vans to minimise individual vehicle usage and fuel consumption, he said.
The Education Department will introduce online classes after summer vacations and organize awareness sessions for parents and students regarding digital learning, environmental responsibility and sustainable practices, he said.
He stated that NDMC, as the civic body managing the heart of the national capital, has a special responsibility to lead by example in adopting environmentally responsible governance and public-friendly sustainable practices.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's great to see NDMC thinking about fuel conservation and sustainability. The work-from-home policy is especially timely after the pandemic showed us how effective remote work can be. I just hope the shuttle services are reliable and on time – we've seen too many "buses aa gayi" moments in Delhi! Also, kya Monday ko Metro jaane wale officers ko koi badge milega? 😄
Good initiative but there's a catch – WFH is only for Group B and C employees, and that too only 33%. Kya Group A officers ko bhi kuch milega? They are the ones who often have the longest commutes from places like Gurgaon. Also, the 16-seater vans for field inspections sound good in theory but will there be enough of them? Otherwise people will just ignore the rule.
Honestly, I appreciate the thought behind this, but NDMC should also focus on making footpaths walkable and cycle lanes. Delhi has amazing weather for cycling sometimes! But let's see – at least they're starting somewhere. Online classes for schools after summer is a smart move too, kids need to learn about environment. Mom always said "ped lagao, life bachao" – ab NDMC bhi yahi keh rahi hai. 🌿
Accha hai, lekin babu log Monday ko Metro kya jaayenge, pehle toh unhe time par aana seekhna chahiye. Just kidding! 😜 Par seriously, EV parking discount aaya hai toh charging stations ka bhi dhyan rakhna padega. Bahut baar dekha hai ki parking mein jagah hai lekin charging point nahi. I hope they implement it well. NDMC literally manages the heart of Delhi – Lutyens zone – so sab ki nazar hai in par.
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