Transport facility, CCTV surveillance, POSH panel: How Delhi prepares to let women work night shifts

In a move that could increase women’s participation in the workforce, the Delhi government on Tuesday cleared a proposal allowing the fairer sex to work night shifts in shops and commercial establishments.

 

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called it a “historic decision” and said the move would transform the national capital into a round-the-clock business hub.

 

"Delhi will now join the list of states like Haryana, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, where women are permitted to work in night shifts," Gupta said, adding that the step marks a significant push towards women's economic empowerment and self-reliance.

 

The government will amend provisions of the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954, which currently restricts women from working between 9 pm and 7 am in summers, and between 8 pm and 8 am in winters.

 

The government said in a statement that under the new law, the employer would be required to obtain written consent from female employees before assigning night shifts.

 

Strict safeguards, including mandatory transport arrangements, CCTV surveillance, female security staff, and compliance with workplace safety norms, must be in place to ensure the safety of women employees working on night shifts.

 

The establishments must also ensure all basic amenities, including toilets, restrooms and lockers.

 

The establishments will also have to form an Internal Complaints Committee, as mandated by the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act.

 

To ensure fair treatment of night shift workers, employers must also ensure electronic wage transfers, statutory benefits such as ESI, PF and bonuses, along with weekly offs and overtime pay, the statement said.

India