The Labour Department of Rajasthan has notified new conditions for employing women workers during night shifts in shops and commercial establishments. Under the powers granted by Section 3(2) of the Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, the state has granted exemption from Section 22, which restricts night work for women, subject to strict compliance with safety and welfare norms.
The notification aims to enable flexibility for businesses while ensuring safety, dignity, and health protections for women employees.
⚖️ Key Conditions for Night Shift Employment of Women:
| S. No. | Condition |
| 1️⃣ | Written Consent: Employers can assign night shifts to women only after obtaining their consent. |
| 2️⃣ | Employment Documents: Each woman worker must receive an appointment letter and ID card with photograph. |
| 3️⃣ | Safe Transport: Employers must provide safe transport to and from the workplace for women working at night. |
| 4️⃣ | Separate Facilities: Workplaces must offer separate restrooms and lockers for women employees. |
| 5️⃣ | Pregnancy Protection: No pregnant employee shall be assigned night shifts three months before and after childbirth. |
| 6️⃣ | Sexual Harassment Prevention: Employers must ensure preventive mechanisms are in place to stop workplace sexual harassment. |
| 7️⃣ | Automatic Termination of Exemption: Any violation of these conditions will result in automatic withdrawal of the exemption, and legal action will follow under the law. |
🧩 Context and Impact:
This move is part of Rajasthan’s push toward gender-inclusive employment in retail and commercial sectors while maintaining safeguards. The exemption provides operational flexibility to establishments but places the on-duty of care firmly on employers.
The notification was published in the Rajasthan Gazette on July 4, 2025, and applies from the date of publication. All shops and commercial establishments registered under the Act must adhere strictly to the conditions to continue employing women in night shifts legally.