India's corporate sector is responding with caution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal for increased work-from-home practices, virtual meetings, and reduced international travel. The Prime Minister's message, delivered during a gathering in Hyderabad, positioned these measures as acts of “economic patriotism” crucial during a period of global uncertainty, particularly referencing the West Asia conflict.
Modi's Call for Economic Patriotism
During his address, PM Modi emphasized that patriotism extends beyond border sacrifices, urging citizens to live responsibly and fulfill their duties in daily life. His appeal to reduce avoidable imports, conserve fuel and energy, support work-from-home where possible, avoid unnecessary foreign spending, and be mindful consumers aims to bolster the national economy amidst external pressures.
Industry Leaders React to Work-From-Home Push
The Prime Minister's renewed push for work-from-home has elicited varied responses from prominent industry figures:
- Sunil Bharti Mittal (Airtel Chairman): While not directly commenting on WFH, Mittal urged the industry to significantly increase domestic capital expenditure and decrease import dependence. Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit, he described India as a “continent of consumers” and called for businesses to “make in India, from India, serving India.”
- Harsh Goenka (RPG Group Chairman): Goenka reiterated Modi's request via social media, stating, “As responsible citizens, we should try our best to contribute in whatever way we can.” RPG Group currently operates with a 50% work-from-home policy and a hybrid model.
- Sridhar Vembu (Zoho Founder): Vembu indicated his company would revisit its work-from-office policy in light of the Prime Minister's appeal. Zoho had recently adopted a full work-from-office model but will now reconsider remote options.
- Sunil Kant Munjal (Hero Enterprises Chairman): Munjal, while acknowledging the sensibility of energy conservation, flagged a lack of clear directives for companies regarding WFH, noting it is “not happening right now” for many.
Hybrid Models Remain Prevalent
Many major corporations, including Deloitte, EY, Tata Motors, Coca-Cola India, and Mercedes-Benz India, continue to adhere to their existing hybrid work policies. KPMG India also stated it is evaluating the announcement to address it suitably, balancing employee, business, and client commitments.
The technology sector, a significant proponent of flexible work, largely supports the Prime Minister's initiative. Nasscom, India's IT industry body, confirmed that IT companies already employ “well-established hybrid work models” where operationally appropriate, aiming to reduce energy use and commuting. Nasscom emphasized that firms balance remote work and office attendance based on role and customer needs, alongside implementing “prudent energy management measures.”
In parallel, the National Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) formally requested the Ministry of Labour and Employment to issue an advisory mandating work-from-home for the IT and IT-enabled services sector. NITES highlighted the sector's proven ability to maintain productivity during large-scale remote work, as demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic, framing Modi's statement as a “national call for collective responsibility.”