Odisha government has come with a decision to allow women to work during night shifts in commercial establishments but written permission would be required, the state government said in a notification. The Labour and Employees' State Insurance Department released a detailed guideline, permitting women to work on night shifts in factories, shops and other commercial establishments.
At least three women workers must be present on the night shift, and proper transportation facilities with a GPS-tracking system to escort and drop them should be made available, it said.
No adolescent woman will be permitted to work, either as a worker or otherwise, in any establishment at night, it said.
“The employer will ensure toilet or washroom and drinking water facilities in the vicinity of the workplace where such women employees work, with arrangements of closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring and adequate lighting, including the passage to conveniences," it stated.
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The ruling will boost women's employment opportunities, the notification stated. The state government has recently amended the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956, providing women employees with a chance to work during night shifts.
Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia said: "We have permitted women to work during night hours, after receiving instructions from the Centre. Women employees will be required to provide their consent in writing, stating that they are willing to work at night."
The opposition Biju Janata Dal, however, criticised the government.
"Women will have to submit a self-declaration to work on night shifts. It means they will have to take care of themselves. The government is attempting to relinquish its responsibility by doing so," claimed BJD leader Pramila Mallik.
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