Himachal HC introduces car-pooling, work-from-home measures

Shimla: Days after PM Modi appealed to people to cut down on fuel and gold expenses, the judges of the Himachal Pradesh high court on Monday unanimously decided to encourage car-pooling arrangements among themselves and allow limited work-from-home arrangements for staff.The decision forms part of a series of measures introduced by the high court administration with immediate effect. According to a circular issued by the high court registrar general, up to 50% of employees in each branch or section of the court registry may work from home for a maximum of two days per week, subject to approval from the registrar concerned.The circular clarified that adequate staff strength must remain present in offices to ensure uninterrupted functioning of the court administration. Registrars have been directed to prepare weekly rosters in advance.Employees working remotely have been instructed to remain available on telephone and report to office whenever required. The circular also empowers registrars to restrict or modify work-from-home arrangements. "If after considering the essential nature of the work in a branch or section, the concerned registrar(s) is of the opinion that a work-from-home arrangement is not effective, the registrar(s) may restrict or modify such arrangements for that branch or section," reads the circular.The circular mentions the measures were adopted in compliance with directives issued by the central govt's department of personnel and training on May 12, and a subsequent circular issued by the Supreme Court on May 15.