New Delhi: Women in Delhi will soon be allowed to work night shifts (24×7) in shops and commercial establishments, as the state government moves to amend existing labour laws to enhance women’s workforce participation and promote ease of doing business.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday said that the Delhi Cabinet has approved a proposal to allow women to work night shifts in the capital, similar to provisions already implemented in states like Haryana, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The proposal has been sent to the Lieutenant Governor for final approval.
Gupta said, “This decision will not only help make Delhi a 24×7 business hub but will also significantly boost women’s participation in the workforce.”
The Delhi government is granting exemption under the Delhi Shops and Establishment Act, 1954, which currently restricts women from working between 9 pm to 7 am in summer and 8 pm to 8 am in winter under Sections 14, 15, and 16 of the Act.
Strict conditions have been laid down to ensure women’s safety while working night shifts. These include:
Mandatory transport arrangements for women employees during night duty
Installation of CCTV cameras on the premises
Deployment of adequate security personnel
Gupta said that commercial establishments would be permitted to engage women in night shifts only after fulfilling these safety provisions. She also added that the matter has already been discussed with the Lieutenant Governor.
Once implemented, the reform is expected to enhance employment opportunities for women and contribute to transforming Delhi into a round-the-clock economic hub.
