The Odisha government has issued new guidelines allowing women to work night shifts in commercial establishments and factories, provided they give their written consent, according to a notification.
The detailed guidelines, issued by the Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Department, allowed women in the state to work in night shifts in factories, shops and other commercial establishments.
A minimum of three women employees must be on a night shift and the employer must provide adequate transportation facilities with a GPS-tracking system for picking up and dropping off the women employees, the notification said.
No adolescent women are permitted to work night shift, whether as an employee or otherwise, in any establishment during the night, it said.
“The employer shall provide toilet or washroom and drinking water facilities near the workplace where such women employees are employed, with provisions of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance and proper lighting, including the passages towards conveniences,” the notification added.
The government’s decision, which follows recent amendments to the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956, is expected to increase employment opportunities for women.
Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia confirmed that the move was made after receiving instructions from the central government and that written consent from female employees is mandatory.
“After getting instructions from the Centre, we have allowed women to work at night. Female employees will have to give their written consent, expressing their willingness to work at night,” the minister said.
The opposition BJD, however, has criticized the state government’s move. “Women will have to give a self-declaration to work on the night shifts. It means they will have to protect themselves. By doing so, the government is trying to give up its responsibility,” alleged BJD leader Pramila Mallik.
