New Delhi: A private member’s bill that seeks to stop employers from contacting staff after working hours was introduced in the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session. Named the ‘Right to Disconnect 2025’, it was presented by NCP MP Supriya Sule. The proposal would create an employees’ welfare authority and give workers the legal right to ignore work calls and emails after office hours and on holidays.
Two More Key Worker-Centric Bills Introduced
Sule also introduced the Paternity and Paternal Benefits Bill 2025 and the Code on Social Security Bill 2025. On social media, she explained that these bills aim to give fathers paid leave, reduce employee burnout caused by digital communication, and provide gig workers with fair wages, regulated hours, and social security.
Impact of Digital Overload Highlighted
The Right to Disconnect Bill points to research showing that constant availability leads to stress, lack of sleep, and emotional exhaustion. It highlights how the urge to respond to messages all day—even on weekends—has damaged employees’ work-life balance. Studies also warn that nonstop digital monitoring can overload the brain.
Need for Flexibility and Fair Overtime Pay
The bill says companies should be allowed flexibility to set specific rules in consultation with employees, since work cultures differ. It also states that if a worker chooses to perform duties beyond regular hours, they must be paid overtime at the normal wage rate. This is intended to reduce unpaid overtime that has increased due to the rapid shift to digital working methods.