Delhi Government Allows Women to Work Night Shifts in Commercial Establishments with Enhanced Safety Measures

Women employees in Delhi are now permitted to work during night shifts across commercial establishments and shops, marking a significant workplace reform.

The Delhi government has formalized this progressive change through a notification issued by the Lieutenant Governor, amending the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act of 1954.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta initially announced this reform in July, which has now received official notification from the Labour Department.

The new regulation allows all commercial establishments and shops, with the exception of liquor outlets, to employ women during night hours. However, these establishments must adhere to all prescribed safety measures, welfare conditions, and labor laws.

According to the notification, employees cannot be required to work beyond 9 hours per day or 48 hours weekly. Working continuously for more than 5 hours without a break is not permitted under the new guidelines.

The regulation clearly states that no woman shall be forced to work exclusively during night shifts. Employers must provide safe transportation, adequate security arrangements, and CCTV surveillance for all employees working night shifts.

The CCTV footage must be retained for a minimum period of one month and presented to authorities when requested.

Workers who put in overtime will receive double their regular wages. Those working on national holidays are entitled to double pay and compensatory leave.

Employers bear the responsibility of ensuring all workers receive benefits including provident fund (PF), Employees' State Insurance (ESI), bonus payments, and leave entitlements.

Each establishment is required to establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in accordance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. Women employees must provide prior consent before being assigned to night shifts.

The notification must be prominently displayed at each establishment's entrance or exit.

Establishments seeking exemption under Sections 14, 15, or 16 of the Act must submit relevant details online to the Labour Department, including registration number, type of business, and employee count, along with a compliance undertaking.