Allow women to work in night shifts: Delhi L-G, CM instruct Labour Dept

Lieutenant-Governor VK Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review and expedite the implementation of the Centre’s flagship Ease of Doing Business and Maximum Governance-Minimum Government initiatives.

The meeting was held at Raj Niwas and witnessed the participation of Home Minister Ashish Sood, Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and senior officials from several key departments.

During the review, both the L-G and the CM expressed concern over the fact that Delhi, despite being the national capital, had not “kept pace with other states in creating a supportive environment for industries and businesses”.

They said outdated and restrictive laws, and complicated regulatory processes had forced many businesses to shift base to other regions, resulting in economic loss for Delhi.

After detailed deliberations and presentations by various departments, the L-G and the CM issued a series of clear directions to overhaul existing rules and clear hurdles that hamper businesses.

Consequently, the Labour Department has been asked to immediately allow women employees to work in night shifts — with their consent and proper safeguards — by amending the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, and issuing notifications under the Factories Act.

The same Act will also be amended to raise the minimum threshold for its applicability from one employee to ten employees, and to allow shops and other establishments to operate round the clock.

In another step, the threshold for seeking permission for closure under the Industrial Dispute Act will be increased from 100 to 200 workers.

The Fire Department has been directed to empanel third-party agencies for conducting safety audits, enabling large commercial and industrial units to obtain NOCs based on certified reports. Smaller establishments can also opt for such audits. Fire safety norms will also be reviewed in light of new technologies such as drone-based and robotic firefighting equipment, which can render old regulations about the breadth of access roads redundant.

To cut delays, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has been asked to reduce the time for granting Consent to Operate to 20 days, after which approvals will be treated as deemed granted.

The DPCC will also introduce self-certification for MSMEs in green and white industries, and empanel third-party certifying agencies.

The L-G and the CM also flagged concerns about the Delhi Land Reforms Act, specifically sections 81 and 33, which are proving to be a roadblock for farmers wishing to transfer or sell land.

The Revenue Department has been told to review these provisions on priority. The Delhi Municipal Corporation has been asked to revisit Section 475 of the DMC Act.

The IT Department will develop a single-window portal to streamline the entire process of securing various NOCs required by businesses.

Additionally, lease administration for industrial areas will be reviewed to ensure improved civic services and infrastructure.

The L-G and the CM have directed the officials concerned to ensure that the implementation of these measures is completed within six months, and is closely monitored.

Delhi