Bhubaneswar, August 04: The Odisha Labour Department has issued a new notification permitting women to work night shifts in various industries and commercial establishments, provided they give their written consent.
The move comes as part of amendments to the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956. The state government has now removed Clause 23, which earlier restricted the employment of women during night time hours. With this change, women are allowed to work night shifts in private establishments, expanding their employment opportunities and offering greater career flexibility.
As per the notification, certain conditions must be met to ensure the safety and well-being of female employees working night shifts. Women can only be assigned night duty if they submit a consent letter. Additionally, there must be a minimum of three women employees present during the shift, and a female supervisor must be on duty to oversee operations.
To further enhance safety, employers are required to arrange secure transportation or accommodation. Pick-up and drop services must use GPS-enabled vehicles, and all drivers must undergo police verification. Alternatively, employers can provide safe lodging near the workplace for women working late hours.
Workplace safety standards have also been mandated. Premises must be well-lit and equipped with CCTV cameras for round-the-clock surveillance. Employers are obligated to provide essential amenities such as drinking water and clean restrooms to ensure employee comfort and hygiene.
Additionally, workplaces must prominently display emergency helpline numbers—including 181 (state women’s helpline) and 1800-345-6703 (Labour Department helpline)—both within the premises and inside the transportation vehicles.
Importantly, the notification clarifies that this relaxation does not extend to minors, in line with existing labour laws aimed at protecting underage workers.
With these changes, the Odisha government aims to foster a safer, more inclusive work environment, empowering women to pursue diverse job roles without restrictions on working hours.
