Tag: Workplace Wellness

Human Interest

Right to Disconnect Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha Signals Major Relief for Employees

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Delhi, December 8, 2025: In a major move towards strengthening employee welfare in India’s increasingly connected digital environment, the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025, was introduced in the Lok Sabha during the fifth day of Parliament’s winter session. The session commenced on December 1.

The private member’s bill was introduced by Supriya Sule, Lok Sabha MP from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar). Highlighting the urgent need to curb digital burnout, Sule stated that the Bill aims to “foster a better quality of life and a healthier work–life balance” by protecting employees from the pressure of after-hours work communication. She also posted a video of her speech on X, emphasising the growing stress caused by always-on work culture.

Key Provisions of the Right to Disconnect Bill

If enacted, the Bill will:

  • Prohibit employers from mandating employees to answer calls, emails, or messages after working hours.
  • Allow workers complete freedom to disconnect during weekends, public holidays, and approved leave.
  • Require organisations to clearly define official working hours and set expectations regarding communication.
  • Impose financial penalties on employers who violate these rights.
  • Establish an employee welfare authority to resolve work–life balance–related grievances.

Advocates believe this reform could bring India closer to global labour standards, where countries like France and Portugal have similar protections for employees’ personal time.

Additional Employee-Focused Bills Introduced

Supriya Sule presented two more private member’s bills focused on worker welfare:

  • The Paternity and Paternal Benefits Bill, 2025, which seeks to provide paid paternal leave to enable fathers to participate actively in early child development.
  • The Code on Social Security (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposing formal recognition of gig workers as a separate category eligible for minimum wages, regulated hours, social security, and improved working conditions.

On the same day, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor introduced a bill seeking to amend the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, to cap working hours. Citing alarming data — including that 51% of India’s workforce works more than 49 hours a week and 78% experiences burnout — Tharoor noted the urgent need to safeguard workers’ physical and mental wellbeing.

With these multiple proposals, Parliament has seen a renewed focus on employee rights, mental health, and labour reforms.

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Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd. (IPSCDL) Celebrates International Yoga Day with a Renewed Focus on Wellness and Mindfulness

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Senior Leadership, Staff, and Wellness Experts Come Together in a Unified Display of Holistic Well-being

Panaji, June 21, 2025 – On the occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd. (IPSCDL) hosted a dedicated yoga session at its headquarters in Panaji, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to holistic health, mindfulness, and workplace wellness.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from across the organization, led by Managing Director & CEO Mr. Sandip Jacques, IAS, and Mr. Brijesh Manerkar, Director of Municipal Administration. Staff members from various departments came together in a serene and focused environment to collectively embrace the ancient Indian practice of yoga.

🌿 Guided by Expertise, Grounded in Tradition

The session was conducted by Ms. Sheela Kankonkar, the Principal Yoga Teacher from Patanjali Yoga Samiti, known for her deep understanding and decades of teaching experience in yogic practices.

The 60-minute session included:

  • Breathing Techniques (Pranayama) to promote respiratory health and mental clarity
  • Stretching and Foundational Asanas for posture and flexibility
  • Mindfulness Practices and Meditation to support emotional well-being and focus

The session focused on balance—both physical and mental—reaffirming the role of yoga in today’s fast-paced professional and urban lifestyle.

🗣️ Leadership Speaks on Wellness & Smart Cities

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sandip Jacques, IAS, emphasized the importance of integrating well-being into urban development and workplace culture:

“As an organization leading the transformation of Panaji into a Smart City, we must remember that smartness begins with our people. Yoga provides us with the tools to stay centered, healthy, and resilient as we shape the future of urban India.”

Mr. Brijesh Manerkar echoed these sentiments, highlighting that wellness is not an option, but a necessity for productivity and innovation, especially in roles focused on urban governance and planning.

🏙️ Smart City, Mindful Citizens

The event underlined IPSCDL’s broader commitment to not only build intelligent infrastructure but also promote human-centric urban design—where health, sustainability, and community are integral to the city’s DNA.

The Yoga Day celebration aligns with Panaji’s evolving identity as a city that balances heritage with forward-thinking development, and infrastructure with wellness.