The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has made history by allowing women to work night shifts (24/7), which is a significant step in empowering women and increasing their self-reliance. The Chief Minister claims that this action will improve the national capital’s ease of doing business and expand the number of women in the workforce.
The Delhi government has approved a 24-hour night shift policy for women working in stores and commercial establishments, aiming to increase women’s employment and self-reliance. The policy includes stringent safety measures, including compulsory transportation facilities, comprehensive CCTV surveillance, and the deployment of adequate female security personnel. The move is expected to improve the city’s ease of doing business and increase the number of women in the workforce. The Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954, will be amended to allow women to work night shifts throughout the city. The government’s main priority is the welfare of women, and several programs are being implemented to guarantee working women’s economic advancement. Establishments will need to adhere to strict conditions, including written approval for night shifts, secure transportation facilities, female security guards, CCTV surveillance, and the formation of an Internal Complaints Committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act.
Chief Minister noted that similar permissions are already in place in states such as Haryana, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. CM Rekha Gupta emphasised that this policy would play a pivotal role in establishing Delhi as a 24×7 business hub and underscores the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and economic independence.
After earlier negotiations, Rekha Gupta announced that the proposal will shortly be forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor for approval. Exemptions are being granted under the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954, in order to carry out this judgment. Women are currently prohibited from working between 9 PM and 7 AM in the summer and between 8 PM and 8 AM in the winter under Sections 14, 15, and 16 of the Act. These limitations will be lifted by the upcoming amendment, allowing women to work night shifts throughout the city.
Additional requirements include the provision of all statutory benefits, such as ESI, bonuses, provident funds, weekly off, and overtime pay, as well as the requirement that wages be paid electronically (bank/ECS). According to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, this move will not only help Delhi become a 24-hour business hub but also greatly increase the number of women in the workforce and raise the city’s Ease of Doing Business rankings.
