Delhi okays night shifts for women - these states led the way

Rekha Gupta

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday approved a proposal to allow women to work night shifts at shops and commercial establishments across the national capital. The proposal, which now awaits final approval from Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, is expected to pave the way for Delhi to become a truly 24x7 business hub.

Calling it a ‘significant step,’ CM Rekha Gupta said the decision will increase women’s participation in the workforce and also improve the ease of doing business in the capital. The move requires amending key provisions of the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954, particularly sections 14, 15, and 16, which currently restrict women from working between 9 pm and 7 am in summer, and from 8 pm to 8 am in winter.

Gupta said states such as Haryana, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu already permit night shifts for women, and it is time for Delhi to follow suit. With this reform, Delhi will join the list of states supporting flexible working hours for women.

To ensure the safety of female employees, the Delhi government has laid out strict guidelines. Employers will be required to make secure transport arrangements, install CCTV cameras at workplaces, and appoint female security guards during night hours. As part of the regulatory framework, written consent from women employees will be mandatory before giving them night shift duties.

“Written consent of female employees will be required prior to assigning night shifts. Workplaces must have CCTV surveillance, female security guards, and secure transport facilities. Each establishment must also constitute an Internal Complaints Committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act. Furthermore, restrooms, toilets, lockers, and other basic amenities must be provided," the government stated.

The government has also directed employers to ensure electronic payment of wages through bank transfers or ECS, provide all legal benefits such as ESI, PF, bonus, weekly offs, and pay for any overtime work.