Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 1 (HBTV): In a landmark move to increase women's participation in the workforce, the Yogi Adityanath government has issued a new order allowing women in Uttar Pradesh to work night shifts between 7 pm and 6 am, provided they give their consent.
According to the order, women have now been permitted to work in 29 categories of hazardous industries. The move aims to expand opportunities and empower women in various sectors.
As stated in the official Gazette notification, employers must ensure women's safety, fair wages, and adequate workplace facilities during night hours. The guidelines mandate double wages, CCTV surveillance, transport arrangements, and security guards to ensure a safe working environment.
Women employees may work up to six days a week. The overtime limit has also been increased from 75 hours to 144 hours per quarter, with payment at double wage rates.
Last month, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta welcomed her government's decision to allow women employees to work night shifts across shops and commercial establishments in the national capital. She described it as a long-overdue step towards gender equality in the workplace.
Speaking to ANI, Rekha Gupta said, 'I'm amazed to think why women were denied the right to work from 9 pm to 7 am. We have repealed it. Now women can work at any time as per their convenience.' The decision, formalised through a notification issued by the Lieutenant Governor, amends provisions under the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954. The announcement, initially made by the Chief Minister in July, has now been officially notified by the Labour Department.
(ANI)