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Dehradun: In a major step toward women’s empowerment and workplace safety, the Uttarakhand government has announced that women employees can only be assigned night shifts if they provide written consent.

This new rule was approved during the state cabinet meeting and added to the Uttarakhand Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2022.

Some women were being forced to work late hours

The decision comes after reports that some women were being forced to work late hours against their wishes. Officials said the rule balances equal opportunities with safety, ensuring that empowerment does not come at the cost of security.

Women were allowed to work night shift in November 22

Women in Uttarakhand were first allowed to work night shifts in November 2022, aligning their opportunities with men. However, the government has now introduced stricter conditions to prevent misuse. Night duty is defined as between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

A senior official explained, “If a woman wishes to work the night shift, she must give prior written consent. This ensures that the opportunity for economic upliftment is truly voluntary.”

Safety arrangements are mandatory for women

The government has also made safety arrangements mandatory for establishments employing women at night. These include:

Minimum Staffing: At least three female employees must be scheduled together; no woman can be assigned alone.

Facilities: Separate rest areas must be provided. If a woman has a child, a crèche facility must be arranged.

Sanitation: Adequate women’s washrooms are compulsory.

Anti-Harassment Cell: Workplaces must set up an internal committee to prevent sexual harassment.

Employers must arrange safe transport for women

Additionally, employers must arrange safe transport for women to and from their homes during night duty. These layered protections are designed to make night work secure and meaningful, while promoting gender equality in the workplace.

Director General of Information Banshidhar Tiwari confirmed the cabinet’s approval of the provision. He said, “The cabinet has approved the provision of night shift work for women, subject to certain conditions.”

Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami chaired the meeting where the decision was finalized. The move is expected to boost women’s participation in Uttarakhand’s economy, especially in malls, shops, and commercial complexes, while ensuring their safety.