The Odisha government has announced policy changes allowing women to work night shifts in private establishments, provided they offer written consent.
The Odisha Labour & E.S.I. Department has issued a fresh notification exempting all shops and commercial establishments from the applicability of Section 23 of the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956. This section previously restricted the employment of women during night hours.
According to the notification, the decision has been taken to enhance employment opportunities for women and ease business operations, provided specific safety protocols are followed.
Key conditions for night shift engagement include:
- Written consent from women employees willing to work at night.
- Minimum three women employees on-site during night shifts, including any female employee.
- GPS-enabled transportation facilities to safely pick and drop employees at their residences.
- Police verification and bio-data collection of all drivers engaged in night transportation.
- Adequate toilet, washing and drinking water facilities near the workplace.
- Installation of CCTV surveillance and proper lighting near sanitation areas.
The notification supersedes an earlier order issued in October 2022 and reflects the state government’s renewed commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces with enhanced safety mechanisms for women.
