SEBI adopts one day per week work from home policy: Report
New Delhi, May 22
The Securities and Exchange Board of India has reportedly introduced a 'one‑day‑a‑week work‑from‑home option' for its junior employees a fortnight after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for remote work to conserve energy.
The market regulator is also considering postponing internal events to cut non‑essential travel and hotel costs as part of its effort to tackle the inflationary fallout of the US-Iran war, a report from NDTV Profit said citing sources.
The move comes after HDFC Bank allowed two days of remote work for select staff handling treasury operations, credit underwriting, risk, transaction banking, digital banking and IT services, the report said.
Similarly, HDFC Securities had also shifted to a hybrid model following PM Modi's austerity appeal.
Meanwhile, Goa Tourism and IT Minister Rohan Khaunte said the state is positioning itself as a leading work‑from‑home destination in line with PM Modi's call.
PM Modi had urged citizens to conserve fuel, revive work-from-home practices, limit non-essential purchases and avoid overseas vacations in order to help India navigate economic challenges arising from the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Highlighting India's dependence on imported fuel, PM Modi stressed that reducing fuel consumption would help save valuable foreign exchange reserves at a time when global energy prices were rising sharply.
PM Modi appealed to citizens to avoid destination weddings and overseas holidays, while encouraging domestic tourism and celebrations within the country.
A report from Crisil Ratings said that Brent crude is expected to average $90‑95 per barrel in FY27, roughly 32 per cent higher year‑on‑year.
The fuel price surge comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia and the continuing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy trade routes.
Nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas trade passes through the narrow passage, and supply disruptions have pushed international crude oil prices sharply higher.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting to see India pivoting back to WFH due to geopolitical tensions. I work in finance in New York and we've been hybrid for years. But one day a week isn't much – hope they expand it. The Strait of Hormuz blockade is no joke; crude at $90+ will hurt everyone.
PM Modi's appeal makes sense – avoid destination weddings, cut fuel use, boost domestic tourism. But why only junior employees? Senior folks should also lead by example. And Goa as a WFH destination? Great idea! Imagine working from Palolem Beach 🏖️
A sensible policy during a global crisis. But I'm curious – with WFH, how will SEBI ensure data security and oversight? Market regulation is sensitive work. Still, encouraging to see corporate India responding to the PM's call. Hope the energy crisis eases soon.
One day per week is too little. In cities like Mumbai, even one less day of commute saves hours and reduces pollution. But why only junior employees? Managers and seniors should also WFH to show solidarity. And HDFC Bank doing two days – that's more practical!
Good move by SEBI, but let's be real – one day WFH won't solve the fuel crisis. The real issue is our oil import dependence. We need more renewables and nuclear power. Still, every small step helps. Kudos to PM for raising awareness about conserving resources.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.