Odisha greenlights night shifts for women in private sector, mandates strict safety norms

By C.R.Beura

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 4: In a significant policy development aimed at enhancing gender parity and promoting ease of doing business, the Odisha government has allowed women to work night shifts in private establishments. The labour and employees’ state insurance department issued a notification detailing stringent safety protocols to ensure women’s protection during night hours.

According to the updated provisions, women may now be engaged for duty between 7 pm and 6 am, provided they give written consent. Employers are mandated to assign a minimum of three women per night shift and appoint a female supervisor for those hours. This move follows an amendment to the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956, which scrapped Clause 23 that previously prohibited women from working nights.

However, the relaxation does not extend to minors and adolescents, who remain prohibited from working during night hours. All employers must submit an online self-certification confirming adherence to the safety standards.

To ensure secure travel, companies must arrange GPS-enabled transportation or provide safe accommodation close to the work premises. Police verification is compulsory for all transport personnel, whether directly employed or through third parties. Helpline numbers, including the State Women’s Helpline (181) and the Labour Department’s toll-free line (1800-345-6703), are to be prominently displayed at offices and inside company vehicles.

Workplaces are also required to maintain proper lighting, CCTV coverage, clean washrooms, and drinking water facilities. Additionally, women employees must not be assigned consecutive day and night shifts without at least an 8-hour interval for rest, to prevent physical strain.

Compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, is mandatory. Any violation will attract penalties under Section 35 of the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act.

This forward-looking policy is seen as a landmark step for workplace equality and is expected to expand job opportunities for women in Odisha’s thriving private sectors, including IT, BPO, hospitality, and healthcare.