New labour guidelines requiring written consent, safe transport, and minimum staffing for women employees working night shifts
OdishaPlus Bureau
The government of Odisha, led by Mohan Majhi, has mandated that shops and commercial establishments employing women for night shifts must secure written consent from these employees if they are willing to work during late hours.
The notification forbids the employment of minors during night shifts. The official announcement, issued by the Labour & ESI department by the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act of 1956, stipulates that employers are required to obtain written consent from women who are willing to undertake night shifts, thereby ensuring their voluntary participation.
“To avoid isolation, a minimum of three women must be present during such shifts, including an on-site female employer if applicable. Employers are also required to provide vehicles that are equipped with GPS tracking for the pick-up and drop-off of women employees at or near their residences.
Furthermore, employers must verify the biodata and police records of all drivers, whether they are directly employed or contracted through service providers, to reduce potential risks. Employers are obligated to ensure that well-lit washrooms and drinking water facilities are available near workstations, with CCTV surveillance monitoring the pathways to these amenities,” stated the government notification.