Bhubaneswar, Odisha : In a landmark move aimed at empowering women and enhancing workplace equality, the Odisha government has amended existing regulations to allow women to work night shifts in private establishments. The long-standing restrictions imposed under Section 23 of the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956, have now been withdrawn, paving the way for greater female workforce participation during night hours.
According to a notification issued by Labour Secretary Chithra Arumugam, the revised norms focus on ensuring women’s safety and well-being. The policy mandates written consent from women employees willing to work night shifts. At least three women employees must be present during night hours in any establishment.
To ensure safe commuting, employers are required to provide GPS-enabled transportation to and from the workplace. Additionally, the bio-data of all drivers assigned for night transport duties must undergo police verification.
The state government also emphasized the importance of basic facilities at the workplace. Employers must ensure clean toilets, safe drinking water, adequate lighting, and CCTV surveillance. Roads leading to the establishments must also be well-lit.
These measures are aligned with the government’s broader goal of promoting gender inclusivity and facilitating “Ease of Doing Business” in the state.
