Govt plans night shift work policy for women

In a city that sleeps in patches but works round-theclock, Delhi is finally preparing to let its women work through the night —legally and safely.

- Alok KN Mishra

In a landmark decision to boost women’s workforce participation, the Delhi government on Tuesday approved changes to the law that will allow women to work night shifts in shops and commercial establishments for the first time since 1954.

To make this possible, the government has proposed a stringent safety framework: compulsory transportation, comprehensive CCTV surveillance, and deployment of female security personnel, among other measures. The move comes with legal safeguards, such as mandatory consent from employees and protection against dismissal for refusal to work nights.

“This policy will play a pivotal role in establishing Delhi as a 24x7 business hub and underscores the government's commitment to women’s empowerment and economic independence,” said chief minister Rekha Gupta, adding that the proposal will now be sent to the lieutenant governor for approval.

The decision mirrors similar policy shifts in states such as Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Haryana.