The Government of Jharkhand, through its Labour, Employment, Training and Skill Development Department, has issued a notification detailing comprehensive guidelines for employing women workers during night shifts (between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.) in all factories across the state.
The notification has been issued under the proviso to clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 66 of the Factories Act, 1948, as amended by the Factories (Jharkhand Amendment) Act, 2025.
Key Provisions and Safety Measures
To ensure women’s safety, dignity, and equal opportunity in industrial employment, the notification outlines several mandatory provisions for occupiers and factory managers:
1. Written Consent
- Women employees must provide written consent before being assigned night shift duties.
2. Maternity Protection
- No woman shall be engaged in night shifts in violation of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.
3. Safe Transportation
- Employers must provide transport facilities with GPS tracking for pick-up and drop near the worker’s residence.
- If a woman opts for self-transport, she must provide a written undertaking.
4. Sanitation and Crèche Facilities
- Factories must ensure separate toilets and washrooms for women.
- Crèche facilities must remain operational during night hours where applicable under Section 48 and Rule 73.
5. Adequate Lighting and CCTV
- All workplaces, passages, and access areas used by women workers must be well-lit and equipped with CCTV surveillance.
6. Accommodation and Supervision
- Boarding and lodging facilities, where provided, must be exclusively for women and supervised by female wardens or supervisors.
7. Sexual Harassment Prevention
- Factories must ensure compliance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013.
8. Minimum Female Workforce
- At least five women workers should be employed in any particular area during night shifts to ensure mutual safety and support.
9. Security Measures
- Mandatory surveillance of canteens, routine night patrols, and a 24×7 manned security control room are required.
- Factories must liaise with local police, conduct security audits, and ensure full CCTV coverage of premises.
- Security personnel must be trained in soft skills and, where possible, recruited from ex-servicemen through the Directorate General of Resettlement.
10. Compliance and Certification
- Factory occupiers employing women during night shifts must submit a self-certification electronically through the Labour Department’s portal confirming adherence to all provisions.
11. Worker Awareness and Display
- Factories must display worker protection laws, relevant sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and penalty details in local language and English at conspicuous places.
12. Security Oversight
- Establish a Factory Security Committee to develop and implement safety strategies.
- Create a protocol for rapid sharing of CCTV footage with police in case of any incident involving women workers.
Government’s Objective
The notification aims to enhance women’s participation in industrial sectors while ensuring a robust framework for safety, security, and welfare. The government emphasizes that any deviation from these guidelines will be treated as a violation of the law.
Conclusion
With this landmark move, Jharkhand joins a growing number of states that are enabling women to work night shifts under stringent safety protocols. The step is seen as a significant stride toward gender inclusivity and workforce modernization while prioritizing security and welfare.