Shaadi.com’s Anupam Mittal Announces 1-Day WFH For Employees After PM Modi’s Appeal. The work-from-home debate has returned to corporate India, but this time for a very different reason.
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens and businesses to reduce fuel consumption amid rising global oil concerns, Anupam Mittal announced a new remote work policy for employees at Shaadi.com.
The entrepreneur revealed that the company will now allow employees to work remotely one day every week. The move, according to Mittal, could significantly reduce fuel consumption caused by daily commuting.
Why Did Anupam Mittal Introduce Weekly WFH?
Mittal shared the announcement on social media shortly after PM Modi appealed to Indians to adopt fuel-saving measures and reduce dependence on imports.
India imports a large share of its crude oil requirements. Rising geopolitical tensions and pressure on global oil supply chains have sparked fresh concerns over fuel prices and energy security. Against this backdrop, the Prime Minister encouraged people to consider alternatives such as:
- Work from home
- Online meetings
- Video conferences
- Carpooling
- Public transport usage
Soon after the appeal, Mittal responded with a practical step inside his own company.
What Did Anupam Mittal Say?
In his post, Mittal wrote:
“Kabhi socha nahin, but 1 day remote for 500 employees means 30k litres of petrol saved a year.”
He also explained that the initiative could help reduce office commute fuel usage by nearly 20 percent for participating employees.
According to estimates shared by the company:
- Around 500 employees will participate
- Employees could collectively avoid nearly 6 lakh kilometres of commuting annually
- Nearly 30,000 litres of petrol could be saved every year
- Staff members may work remotely for roughly 50 days annually
Mittal described the move as a “small move” with “real intent.”
A Different Conversation Around Work From Home
The announcement has reignited discussions around hybrid work culture in India.
During the pandemic, work-from-home became normal across industries. However, many companies later pushed employees back to offices, arguing that in-person work improves collaboration, innovation, and workplace culture.
Now, fuel conservation and sustainability are adding a new dimension to the debate.
Instead of discussing remote work only as an employee benefit, companies are increasingly viewing it through the lens of:
- Fuel savings
- Reduced traffic congestion
- Lower commuting costs
- Sustainability goals
- Economic efficiency
Mittal’s announcement became one of the first high-profile corporate responses directly linked to PM Modi’s appeal.
Social Media Reacts To The Decision
The announcement quickly went viral online and triggered mixed reactions.
Many users praised the move and called it a sensible step during a time of rising fuel concerns. Others, however, questioned why the company stopped at just one day of remote work.
Some social media users argued that if employees can work remotely one day a week, companies should consider broader flexibility. Others pointed out that remote work may also help businesses reduce operational expenses like office maintenance and real estate costs.
At the same time, several professionals supported the balanced approach, saying hybrid work models may offer a middle ground between flexibility and office collaboration.
Who Is Anupam Mittal?
Anupam Mittal is one of India’s best-known startup entrepreneurs and angel investors.
He founded Shaadi.com, one of India’s largest matrimonial platforms, and later became widely popular through the television show Shark Tank India.
Over the years, Mittal has invested in several Indian startups across technology, mobility, healthcare, and consumer internet sectors.
Could More Companies Follow?
That remains uncertain for now. However, the conversation around hybrid work appears to be shifting again.
Many organisations continue to prefer full-time office attendance. Yet rising fuel costs, traffic congestion, and employee demand for flexibility may push more companies to reconsider hybrid work arrangements.
For now, Mittal’s move stands out because it connects workplace policy directly with national fuel conservation efforts.
Whether symbolic or substantial, the announcement has certainly reopened India’s remote work conversation.
