New Delhi: India’s capital markets regulator SEBI has introduced a temporary work-from-home (WFH) policy and austerity measures for employees, following a broader appeal for restraint amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

The move comes in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging institutions to adopt energy-saving practices and reduce non-essential operational activity.

Rotational WFH introduced for select employees

Under the new advisory, SEBI has allowed employees in Grades A to C to work from home one day a week on a rotational basis for eight weeks starting May 25.

However, the flexibility will not extend to senior officials in Grade D and above, employees attached to top offices, and certain secretarial staff categories, who are required to attend office regularly.

SEBI has also directed departments to ensure that at least 50 per cent of officers in Grades A to C are physically present in office at all times to maintain operational continuity.

Travel, conclaves and meetings to be restricted

As part of the austerity drive, SEBI has instructed departments to defer non-essential conclaves, workshops and brainstorming sessions for the next eight weeks.

Officials have been asked to avoid unnecessary travel and prioritise virtual meetings wherever possible.

Where events have already been booked and cancellation would result in penalties, they may proceed as scheduled, according to the advisory.

The regulator has also encouraged employees to reduce fuel usage and adopt shared or public transport options.

Energy conservation push amid global uncertainty

The advisory aligns with wider government efforts to reduce consumption and improve efficiency during a period of global instability linked to geopolitical tensions.

SEBI has advised staff to use public transport, carpooling, electric vehicles and subsidised office transport facilities wherever possible.

Officials have also been asked to minimise the use of private vehicles unless necessary.

The measures are expected to remain in force for eight weeks, after which the regulator may review the arrangement depending on prevailing conditions.

SOP issued for remote working

Along with the hybrid work model, SEBI has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for employees working from home.

Department heads have been empowered to define work targets, reporting timelines and productivity expectations for remote staff.

Employees have also been instructed to maintain strict data security protocols, including cybersecurity compliance and confidentiality safeguards while accessing official systems remotely.

The regulator has emphasised that operational efficiency and regulatory oversight must not be affected during the temporary shift.

Hybrid model aimed at balancing efficiency and caution

The temporary arrangement reflects a cautious approach by regulatory bodies as they navigate external economic pressures while maintaining institutional functioning.

While SEBI has not indicated long-term changes to its workplace model, officials suggest the current steps are preventive and subject to review after eight weeks.

For now, the focus remains on ensuring continuity of work while reducing unnecessary travel and operational costs across departments.