Delhi women needs to submit written consent for working night shifts at shops, commercial establishments

The Delhi government has allowed women employees to work in night shifts at shops and commercial establishments, subject to their written consent and stringent safety measures. The decision, formalised through a labour department notification issued on Thursday, aims to promote gender inclusion while ensuring workplace security and welfare.

According to the notification, employers must provide safe transportation, security arrangements, and install CCTV cameras in their establishments. The footage must be preserved for at least a month and made available to the chief inspector on request. Every employer hiring women for night shifts must also form Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.

The order further mandates that no employee shall work more than nine hours a day or 48 hours a week, with double pay for overtime. Employees must also be given compensatory leave for work on national holidays, along with benefits such as minimum wages, provident fund, insurance, and bonus.

The move follows Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena’s earlier approval and introduces new provisions under the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954, laying down clear conditions for employing women in late hours while prioritizing their safety, fairness, and equal opportunity.