Delhi Approves Night Shift Policy for Working Women

In a landmark step towards gender equality, the Delhi Government has cleared amendments to allow women to work night shifts across shops and commercial establishments. The move, announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, will enhance female participation in the workforce and support Delhi’s goal of becoming a 24/7 business hub.

The policy introduces mandatory safety measures for employers, including:

• Provision of transport facilities for women

• 24×7 CCTV surveillance

• Deployment of female security personnel

• Written consent from women before assigning night shifts

• Formation of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) under the POSH Act

The amendments aim to remove outdated restrictions under Sections 14, 15, and 16 of the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, which previously prohibited women from working night shifts.

The Delhi Government emphasized that women’s safety remains central to the policy. “Women’s welfare is at the top of our agenda,” said CM Gupta. “These changes are meant to empower women economically while ensuring their dignity and security.”

Women working night shifts will also be entitled to all existing benefits including ESI, PF, overtime pay, and safe workplace infrastructure.

Delhi now joins progressive states like Haryana, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh, which have implemented similar reforms. The final step for this policy to become law is the approval of the Lieutenant Governor.

Experts believe this change will increase employment opportunities for women, especially in sectors such as IT, retail, hospitality, and healthcare, where night operations are routine.

The decision has been praised by both industry leaders and women’s rights groups. However, successful implementation will depend on strict monitoring and enforcement to ensure workplaces remain safe and inclusive.