Drafts rules to ensure women’s safety during nights in factories

In accordance with the labour codes finalised by the Centre and state, the Maharashtra government has drafted rules for the safety of women working night shifts in factories.

- Faisal Malik

It is now compulsory for factories to have the written consent of women workers for night shifts, to provide a pickup and drop service, to have at least two women workers on night duty and have other reasonable practical measures in place to ensure women’s safety.

When the state government opened night shifts to women workers in 2015, it had asked factories how they planned to ensure their safety. This is the first time that conditions have been dictated by the government. The draft of the amended rules issued on July 24 is now open for suggestions and objections in the next 45 days.

The labour department has made other amendments to Rule 102B, which pertains to the conditions on which women can be allowed to work night shifts. “The workplace, including passage towards conveniences and