The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has implemented a new policy permitting certain employees to work remotely one day a week, following a directive from Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on energy conservation. This decision, effective from May 25, also defers internal programs that involve travel and hospitality expenses for eight weeks.
An administrative advisory issued by SEBI’s human resources department on Thursday allows officers in Grades A to C, which includes Assistant Managers, Managers, and Assistant General Managers, to work from home on a rotational basis. Conversely, officers in Grade D, namely Deputy General Managers and higher, are required to be physically present at the office.
The internal circular specifies that all Grade D officers and above, as well as employees assigned to the offices of the Chairman and Whole Time Members (WTMs), along with staff in the Secretarial Cadre, must attend office regularly.
Chief General Managers, Regional Directors, and heads of verticals are tasked with creating rosters to ensure that a minimum of 50% of the officers in Grades A to C are present in the office at any time.
SEBI confirmed to Businessline that this circular has been disseminated. In addition, a standard operating procedure has been formulated for remote employees. Department heads can outline work expectations and timelines for those utilizing the work-from-home option, with reviews planned post the eight-week period.
Employees are advised to prioritize confidentiality and data security while working remotely. Furthermore, departments have been instructed to postpone non-essential internal events, including conclaves and brainstorming sessions, for the next eight weeks. Existing engagements may continue, but new ones should not be scheduled.
To promote energy conservation, SEBI encourages employees to use public transportation, take advantage of subsidized bus services, utilize carpooling, and prefer electric vehicles over private transportation whenever possible. Departments are also advised to conduct stakeholder meetings virtually when feasible to minimize travel-related activities.
Published on May 22, 2026.
