• Source:JND
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In a significant move, the Delhi government on Thursday issued a notification, allowing women to work night shifts in shops and other commercial establishments. The notification mandates that women’s written consent must be obtained before they can be assigned night duties, ensuring their choice and safety are prioritised.

Earlier this year, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena approved the proposal, and the recent notification has now outlined the rules to implement it, news agency PTI reported.

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Woman Allowed To Work Night Shifts With Consent, Safety, Overnight Pay

- The Delhi Labour Department has added two new provisions under the Delhi Shops and Establishment Act, 1954, focusing on women’s employment and conditions of their employment.

- Women have been allowed to work night shifts, provided they give their written consent beforehand.

- According to the notification, no employee can work more than nine hours in a day, including breaks for meals and rest, and cannot work more than five continuous hours without a break.

- The rules also state that every employee is entitled to double pay for overtime work, with a maximum of 48 working hours per week.

- The new provisions also cover compensatory leave for work done on national holidays, weekly off days and legal benefits such as minimum wages, provident fund, insurance and bonus.

- To ensure a safe workplace, the notification mandates the formation of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in shops and establishments, allowing women to work night shifts.

- Employers must provide appropriate safety, security, and transportation arrangements for employees working overtime or night shifts.

- “Overtime wages will be paid to eligible employees at double the normal rate as provided under Section 8 of the Delhi Shops and Establishment Act, 1954. Shift working, if any, will be in such a way that no employee is forced to work in the night shift only,” the notification read.

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ICC, POSH And Other Regulations For Women’s Safety

Every employer engaging women in night shifts is required to set up Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) as mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the notification stated.

Additionally, the employers must install CCTV cameras and preserve the footage for at least one month. This footage must be provided upon request by the authorities, including the Chief Inspector of Shops.

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