GOOD NEWS FOR IT AND ITES COMPANIES OVER 'WORK FROM HOME' PLAN: DETAILS 

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and crisis, there is some good news for IT and ITeS companies with STPI (Software Technology Parks of India) units who are looking at permanent Work From Home (WFH) as part of their business strategy. 

As per Times of India (ToI) report, there are going to be many advantages for employees with STPI units, which includes; 

- There will be no restrictions on long term WFH.  

- STPI units can take out duty-free equipment like laptops and desktops on a permanent basis.

- They can also reduce their operational area within STPIs on account of WFH.

This report went viral after STPI authorities clarified it to apex IT sector body Nasscom. 

Meanwhile in June 2020, Nasscom discussed and made a representation to STPI authorities highlighting industry requirements related to permanent WFH. This plan was discussed amid the outbreak and clarified on certain rules and regulations with employees and company. 

During the discussion, STPI said that WFH is the new normal in the IT and ITeS industry. Also, years before the Covid-19 outbreak, the firm had taken up the matter to ensure that necessary provisions were introduced in foreign trade policy (FTP) and handbook of procedures (HBP). 

“STPI is encouraging units to take precautionary measures by enabling their staff to WFH for continuity of business operations. Provisions enabling WFH are vital ingredients of FTP and would certainly remain in force even after the pandemic,” STPI has clarified and Nasscom informed its members, ET further reported. 

Pointing over the issue of reduction in operational area on account of permanent WFH, STPI stated that the firm's directors are authorised to issue permissions to units for reduction in operational area.