The RPG Group has emerged as the first major corporate to implement a formal work-from-home policy following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent appeal for fuel-saving measures amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global energy supplies. According to ET Now Digital, Chairman Harsh Goenka has unveiled comprehensive guidelines that make RPG Group the pioneer in corporate WFH adoption among large enterprises. The initiative comes days after PM Modi's 'nation first' call urging citizens to adopt work-from-home measures and reduce fuel consumption, positioning the group at the forefront of corporate response to the national agenda. As reported by NDTV Profit, all employees who can work from home should be actively encouraged to do so, with routine internal reviews, interviews and meetings conducted virtually to the greatest extent possible. In his latest communication, Goenka emphasized that "As you are aware, the Hon. Prime Minister has called for a renewed national focus on austerity and responsible resource utilisation."
The Delhi Government has now announced mandatory 2-day work-from-home every week for government employees as part of a major fuel conservation and austerity drive amid rising global energy concerns. According to India Linked, this initiative follows PM Modi's appeal to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and promote efficient energy usage nationwide. The government is also preparing an advisory for private companies, encouraging them to adopt similar hybrid work policies wherever possible. Officials believe the decision can help reduce fuel usage, traffic congestion and pollution across the national capital while easing pressure on daily commuting. Along with the WFH policy, Delhi has introduced several additional measures including online official meetings, reduced use of government vehicles, staggered office timings and cuts in fuel quotas for officers. The decision is now being viewed as one of India's biggest long-term hybrid work shifts outside pandemic conditions.
The RPG Group's pioneering move has now inspired broader corporate adoption, with Shaadi.com CEO Anupam Mittal introducing a mandatory weekly work-from-home day for employees following PM Modi's appeal. According to Youfinance, this initiative aims to promote sustainability, save fuel, improve work-life balance, and encourage corporate responsibility while adapting modern workplace culture to support environmental and economic efficiency across urban India. The move demonstrates how companies are responding to the national agenda by implementing practical measures that balance operational efficiency with sustainability and rising fuel costs. As reported by NDTV Profit, the directive calls for foreign travel to be curtailed to the absolute minimum, while domestic air travel should be significantly reduced. Teams have been advised to avoid or minimise any meetings that require intercity travel.
The group has accelerated its transition to electric and hybrid vehicles, with all future company-owned or site-leased cars preferably being electric or hybrid. According to the latest communication, employees are urged to adopt more sustainable commuting practices by carpooling or using public transportation such as rail, metro and bus services whenever feasible. Managers have been instructed to avoid or minimise conferences and meetings that require intercity travel, supporting the broader national agenda for environmental responsibility. The initiative aligns with Modi's call for collective sacrifice and national duty in response to the escalating West Asia conflict and growing concerns over global fuel supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia and rising pressure on international energy markets. As reported by Moneycontrol, the group has specifically asked businesses to "speed up cleaner mobility adoption" and "accelerate the shift where pending."
Goenka emphasised that these measures are essential not only to support the national agenda but also to strengthen the company's internal culture of responsibility, agility, and cost-consciousness. As reported by NDTV Profit, the chairman urged leaders to communicate and reinforce the measures across their teams and ensure disciplined adherence. The chairman wrote on X sharing the letter publicly: "We in RPG have responded to our PM's call with austerity and responsible resource allocations. I hope other corporates will follow suit." The letter stated: "As a Group, it is important that we demonstrate leadership by embracing these measures wholeheartedly and setting the right example for our teams." The move came after PM Modi urged citizens to adopt austerity measures amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia and mounting pressure on global supply chains, with the Prime Minister encouraging people to use public transport, opt for carpooling whenever possible, and embrace work from home arrangements in roles where it is feasible.
