The Special Economic Zone (“SEZ”) set up in different parts of India had issued orders from time to time regarding ‘ Work From Home’ in line with the directive issued by the relevant State government sand Central (Federal) Government.
On March 22, 2022, SEEPZ SEZ, Mumbai, Maharashtra Ministry of Commerce and Industry (“MOCI”) had issued guidelines / instructions asking the establishments/units to work from office with at least 50% capacity with double dose of vaccination and ensuring COVID-19 protocol. Further, they were asked to function 100% capacity from office complying with the guidelines issued by the State government and Central (Federal) Government. The units were also asked to bring back equipments/ goods taken out in a phased manner. The instructions were apparently issued after consultation with the IT/ ITES units, in view of improved condition of COVID-19 in the State of Maharashtra.
SEEPZ SEZ has issued guidelines/ instructions on June 15, 2022 and has decided to keep the instructions issued on March 22, 2022 in abeyance till further orders. It has further informed that a policy on ‘Work From Home’ is under active consideration of the MOCI which is likely to be issued soon.
Similar to SEEPZ SEZ, MEPZ SEZ, Chennai, State of Tamil Nadu had also allowed ‘Work From Home’ to units in 2021, which preferred to avail the facility of ‘Work From Home’. MEPZ SEZ has on June 17, 2022 has extended the ‘Work From Home’ until December 31, 2022 or earlier (as per the directive from the Department of Commerce). The units have been advised to gradually increase physical presence of the employees in the SEZ premises.
Until now Central or State governments have not issued any guidelines on ‘Work From Home’. It would be interesting to see, even if specific to SEZ, what the MOCI may issue and the same may become precedent for many non SEZ companies to develop or improve ‘Work From Home’ guidelines, if not already done.