In a significant step towards empowering women and promoting self-reliance, the Delhi Government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has approved a policy allowing women to work night shifts (24×7) in shops and commercial establishments, subject to their consent.
According to the Chief Minister, this decision aims to enhance women’s participation in the workforce while also boosting the ease of doing business in the national capital.
Emphasizing the importance of safety, Gupta said that stringent measures will be implemented to ensure the security of women working night shifts. These include compulsory transportation facilities, comprehensive CCTV surveillance, and the deployment of adequate female security personnel.
To safeguard women in night shifts, a comprehensive set of mandatory conditions will be imposed on all establishments. The Chief Minister highlighted that written consent from female employees will be required before assigning them night shifts.
Gupta further asserted that workplaces must be equipped with CCTV cameras, female security guards, and secure transport arrangements. She added that each establishment will be required to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act.
Additionally, establishments must ensure essential facilities such as restrooms, toilets, lockers, and other basic amenities for women employees.
Other key conditions include mandatory electronic wage payments (via bank or ECS), provision of all statutory benefits such as ESI, bonus, provident fund, weekly offs, and overtime compensation.
Gupta stated that this decision will not only help transform Delhi into a 24×7 business hub but also significantly boost women’s workforce participation and improve the city’s ranking in ease of doing business.
She noted that similar policies are already in effect in states such as Haryana, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
The proposal will soon be forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor for final approval, following prior discussions on the matter.
To implement the new policy, exemptions are being made under the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954.
At present, Sections 14, 15, and 16 of the Act prohibit women from working between 9 PM and 7 AM during summers and between 8 PM and 8 AM during winters. The proposed amendment will remove these restrictions, enabling women to work night shifts across the city.
Chief Minister Gupta reaffirmed that women’s welfare remains a top priority for her government, and that multiple initiatives are underway to promote the economic empowerment of working women.