Madhya Pradesh government has officially permitted women to work night shifts across industries, commercial establishments, shopping malls, and production units.
The decision, announced by the State Labour Department, is part of a broader strategy to enhance women’s workforce participation, promote economic empowerment, and align with national efforts to modernize labour laws.
The Madhya Pradesh government amended the Shops and Establishments Act, 1958, and the Factories Act to enact the reform, which many hail as a significant step toward women’s empowerment in one of India’s largest states.
New Working Hours in Madhya Pradesh for Women and Scope of Employment
Under the revised guidelines:
- Women can now work between 9 PM and 7 AM in shops, malls, and commercial establishments
- In factories and production units, night shifts are permitted from 8 PM to 6 AM
- The policy applies to both urban and semi-urban zones, expanding employment opportunities across sectors
This change opens doors for women in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, logistics, and hospitality, which often require round-the-clock operations.
Mandatory Safety and Welfare Measures
To ensure a secure and respectful working environment, the government has mandated several strict safety protocols:
- Written consent from each woman employee is required before assigning night shifts
- A minimum of five women must be present per shift to avoid isolation
- Establishments must provide well-lit premises, CCTV surveillance, restrooms, drinking water, and washroom facilities
- Employers must deploy female security guards when 10 or more women are employed during night shifts
- Employers must comply with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
For industrial workers, additional safeguards include:
- Pick-and-drop transportation for women employees
- At least one-third of supervisory staff during night shifts must be women
- A minimum 12-hour gap between shifts to prevent fatigue and overwork
These measures aim to balance operational needs with employee welfare, ensuring that women can work safely and confidently during non-traditional hours.
Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Google News, and YouTube, to get the latest news updates. Subscribe to our Channels. WhatsApp– Click Here, Google News– Click Here, YouTube – Click Here, and LinkedIn– Click Here.
