Delhi government approves night shift for women

The Delhi government has formalized its decision to allow women to work night shifts in shops and commercial establishments in the national capital.

First announced in July this year, the notification amending the provisions under the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954 has now been formally issued by the Lieutenant Governor.

Under the new rules, all shops except liquor shops can employ women at night, but they will have to follow safety conditions such as adequate security, transportation and ensuring compliance with labor laws. However, they will have to take the consent of women employees before appointing them to night shifts.

Employers should also ensure CCTV coverage during night shifts and maintain video records for at least one month, which should also be kept easily available when required in workplace-related matters.

The order also states that no employee will work more than nine hours a day or 48 hours a week and will not be allowed to work more than five hours continuously without a break.

According to PTI, the notification said, “Eligible employees will be paid overtime wages at double the normal rate provided under Section 8 of the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954. Shift working, if any, will be in such a manner that no employee will be forced to work exclusively in night shifts.”

Employers will also have to constitute Internal Complaint Committees (ICC) under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

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