Delhi Govt’s Restrictions on Late Office Hrs. for Women Employees
The Delhi government has issued a fresh notification restricting the night shifts for women employees across various commercial establishments and factories, sparking a renewed debate on worker safety versus equal employment opportunity.
The move mandates stringent conditions for allowing women to work late, primarily aimed at ensuring their physical security and welfare.
Delhi Govt’s New Regulatory Timings
The notification effectively prohibits the employment of women between the hours of 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM in establishments covered under the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954, and the Factories Act, 1948, unless explicit safety measures and consent protocols are met.
This regulation applies broadly to offices, retail outlets, IT and ITES companies, and manufacturing units.
To secure an exemption allowing women to work during these hours, employers must meet a mandatory list of criteria.
These include obtaining written consent from the concerned employee, ensuring proper lighting, CCTV surveillance, and, critically, providing secure, door-to-door transportation during the restricted hours.
The premises must also have adequate security guards, and the employer must register the details of women working late with the local labor department.
Balancing Safety and Opportunity
The restriction is a response to long-standing concerns regarding the safety of women working late hours in a major metropolitan area.
However, the ruling has been met with mixed reactions.
Labor rights activists generally welcome the emphasis on mandatory safety provisions, arguing it forces companies to invest in secure working conditions.
Conversely, industry bodies and proponents of gender equality have voiced concern that such restrictions could unintentionally curb women’s career advancement and earning potential, particularly in sectors like BPOs, IT, and media, where round-the-clock operations are essential.
They argue that mandating restrictions, rather than solely focusing on enhancing overall urban safety and strictly penalizing non-compliant employers, limits choice.
The Delhi government maintains that the rules protect employees while offering a clear pathway for compliant businesses to continue night operations, provided the welfare of the women staff remains paramount.
The authorities expect compliance checks to intensify across the city to enforce the new directives effectively.
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