West Bengal Introduces New Workplace Safety Guidelines for Women

The West Bengal government is introducing new guidelines to enhance the safety of women working night shifts across sectors like IT, healthcare, transport, and law enforcement. Following the RG Kar rape-murder case, the 22-point draft policy mandates voluntary night shifts, GPS-enabled transport with female guards, and a minimum of 10 women or one-third staff on night duty. Workplaces must offer rest areas, canteens, ambulances, CCTV, and establish Internal Complaints Committees. Emergency contacts must be visible and safety policies communicated in local languages. These measures aim to ensure a safer and more inclusive environment for women employees in the state.