Odisha Permits Women to Work Night Shifts with Mandatory Written Consen

The Odisha government has introduced a significant policy change allowing women to work in night shifts in factories, shops, and other commercial establishments, but with mandatory written consent. This move aims to enhance women’s employment opportunities while ensuring their safety and well-being. The policy was announced through a notification issued by the Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Department, which also provided detailed guidelines for its implementation.

Key provisions of the guidelines include the requirement that at least three women employees should be present on any night shift. Additionally, employers must arrange adequate transportation facilities equipped with GPS tracking to safely pick up and drop the women workers. This is designed to address concerns about their safety during late hours. Furthermore, adolescent girls are strictly prohibited from working at night in any establishment, either as employees or in any other capacity, to protect their rights and well-being.

Employers are also mandated to provide essential amenities near the workplace for women employees working night shifts. These facilities include toilets or washrooms and drinking water. To enhance security, the workplace should be equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance and proper lighting, including well-lit passages leading to these amenities. These measures reflect the government’s commitment to creating a safe and supportive working environment for women during night shifts.

This policy shift follows recent amendments to the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956, which now explicitly permits women to work night shifts under certain conditions. Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia stated that the government’s decision was made after receiving instructions from the Centre. He emphasized that women employees must give their written consent, indicating their willingness to work during the night, thereby ensuring that no woman is forced into night work against her will.

However, the policy has faced criticism from the opposition party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD). BJD leader Pramila Mallik argued that requiring women to provide a self-declaration for working night shifts essentially shifts the responsibility of their safety onto the women themselves. She accused the government of attempting to absolve itself of responsibility by making women responsible for protecting themselves in potentially unsafe conditions.

Despite the criticism, the government views this policy as a progressive step towards increasing employment opportunities for women while balancing safety concerns. By mandating written consent and ensuring safety provisions like transportation and workplace amenities, the state aims to support women’s participation in the workforce during night hours without compromising their security.

In summary, the Odisha government’s decision to allow women to work night shifts with mandatory written consent and strict safety guidelines marks an important development in labor policy. It seeks to empower women by expanding job opportunities, while instituting protective measures to address the unique risks associated with night work. The debate around the policy highlights ongoing concerns about women’s safety and the government’s role in safeguarding their rights in the workplace.