Oppn slams govt's night shift policy for women

Move to boost women’s employment sparks Opposition criticism and mixed response from working women

- MANOJ KUMAR JENA, OP

The state government, Monday, issued an official notification allowing women to work night shifts, provided they submit a mandatory written consent.

The move, aimed at boosting employment opportunities for women, drew sharp criticism from the Opposition, which termed it a curb on women’s freedom. The decision also sparked mixed reaction from working women.

Sonali Priyadarshni, a banker, said, “I don’t understand why consent is mandatory. Earlier, women in medical and other sectors also worked night shifts. Women in our state are empowered enough to decide when they want to work. The government should focus more on ensuring our safety, which is the real issue.