Delhi Govt rolls out policy allowing women to work night shifts

Delhi Government led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has approved a landmark policy allowing women to work night shifts (24x7) in shops and commercial establishments. The move is aimed at enhancing women’s participation in the workforce and improving the national capital’s Ease of Doing Business rankings.

Currently, Sections 14, 15, and 16 of the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954, prohibit women from working between 9 PM and 7 AM during summers, and between 8 PM and 8 AM in winters. The new policy proposes exemptions under these sections to remove such restrictions. The proposal will now be sent to the Lieutenant Governor for formal approval.

Emphasising the government’s commitment to women’s welfare, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the decision will not only boost employment opportunities for women but also help transform Delhi into a 24x7 business hub. She pointed out that similar policies are already in place in states such as Haryana, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh.

To ensure women’s safety during night shifts, the policy mandates a robust framework of safeguards for all establishments. These include written consent from female employees, provision of secure transportation, round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, deployment of female security guards, and the formation of Internal Complaints Committees under the POSH Act.

Workplaces will also be required to provide basic amenities such as toilets, restrooms, and lockers. Moreover, employers must ensure that wages are paid electronically and all statutory benefits like ESI, provident fund, bonus, weekly offs, and overtime compensation are extended to female workers.

According to CM Gupta, the move represents a decisive shift toward a more inclusive economy and safer working environment for women.