To Enable IT Professionals to Work-from-Home, VPN Relaxation Extended Until 31 July: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Keeping in view the prevailing situation in the country due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister for IT and Telecom, has extended relaxation in terms and conditions for virtual private network (VPN)  until 31 July 2020 to enable work-from-home for IT professionals. The Union Minister informed this decision to all state IT Ministers during a video conference held to discuss problems of the sector due to lockdown.

Due to the outbreak of the virus in India, and the lockdowns related to it, a large majority of IT professionals have been forced to work-from-home. Nevertheless, this development gave rise to new opportunities and future-of-work is now the latest tech jargon.

While responding to a suggestion made by Dr Ashwathnarayan CN, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, to extend the permission to work-from-home for longer, the Union Minister permitted relaxation in terms and conditions for virtual private network (VPN)  until 31 July 2020 to help IT companies. He also assured that he would review the situation after Jul, and take the necessary actions.

“Hon'ble DyCM and Minister for IT & BT, Electronics Dr Ashwathnarayan explained problems faced by the IT sector based on industry consultations & also showcased solutions found to COVID Crisis besides steps taken by the State government,” tweeted the official account of the Office of Dr Ashwathnarayan.

Ravi Shankar Prasad will also soon hold a separate video conference with the IT industry leaders to understand the problems of the sector. The minister also announced to set up a national-level strategy committee to prepare detailed guidelines and solutions in a pandemic situation like Coronavirus.

As almost every IT professional working from home now relies on Internet connectivity more than ever, the Union Minister also aims to strengthen Internet facilities in the country through Bharat Net. “The working style of almost all sectors after COVID-19 has changed. Nearly 80% of professionals are working from home. Almost all work is done online. To help this, internet services will be strengthened through Bharat Net,” said Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Update: The Union Minister has just issued a clarification on the matter: "Wish to clarify that it is not extension of WFH. In response to IT Industry’s request to facilitate WFH for OSPs, DoT India had relaxed terms & conditions for VPN till 30.4.20. After discussions with IT Ministers this relaxation in terms & conditions is extended till 31.7.20"