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New Delhi: Women in the national capital are set to be allowed to work legally during night shifts in shops and commercial establishments, following a landmark decision by the state government to amend long-standing restrictions under the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the move as an effort to both strengthen Delhi’s credentials as a 24-hour economy and increase the participation of women in the workforce. Notably, the proposal is now pending approval from the Lieutenant Governor.
The proposal involves amending Sections 14, 15, and 16 of the 1954 Act, which currently prohibit women from working during designated night hours; between 9 PM and 7 AM in summer, and 8 PM to 8 AM in winter. Once approved, these changes will lift the ban, allowing businesses to employ women round the clock under strict safety conditions.
"This is a step toward increasing women's participation in the workforce while ensuring their safety and dignity at the workplace," said Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
"We are not just changing a rule, we're also creating a framework where women feel secure and supported during night hours," she added.
As part of the revised framework, employers must obtain written consent from women employees for night shifts. Businesses will also be required to offer safe transport, maintain 24-hour CCTV surveillance, deploy female security staff, form Internal Complaints Committees in compliance with the POSH Act, and provide facilities such as restrooms, lockers and break rooms.
All wages will need to be paid digitally via bank transfer or ECS, and statutory benefits, including ESI, Provident Fund, bonuses, weekly offs and overtime pay, will remain compulsory.
It should be noted that similar initiatives have already been rolled out in Haryana, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Industry associations have welcomed the reform, highlighting its potential to enhance Delhi’s appeal as a 24x7 business hub. Gupta said, "This will help establish Delhi as a 24x7 business hub and also contribute to improving the capital's Ease of Doing Business rankings."
