The Government of Haryana, Labour Department, has notified an exemption allowing female contract labour to work during night shifts in factories and shops/commercial establishments across the state.
This progressive step, aligns with the Government of India’s labour reform mandate and promotes gender inclusivity and equal opportunities for women in the workforce.
⚖️ Legal Framework
The exemption has been granted under Section 31 of the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, read with Rule 25(ix) of the Haryana Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Rules, 1975.
It applies to:
- Factories: Female contract labour may work from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM
- Shops & Commercial Establishments: Female contract labour may work from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM
🧾 Conditions of Exemption
The notification specifies that:
Female contract labour working in factories and commercial establishments which have already been granted night shift permissions on auto mode—based on self-certification under the Haryana notifications dated July 4, 2025—shall be exempted from the provisions of Rule 25(ix) of the 1975 Rules for the period specified in those exemptions.
This essentially extends the same night shift permissions already granted to regular women employees to female contract workers, ensuring consistency across employment categories.
🌙 Background and Policy Intent
The measure supports:
- Increased female participation in industrial and service sectors.
- Equal opportunity and workplace inclusivity, aligning with national labour reform objectives.
- Ease of doing business, by streamlining approvals through auto-mode, self-certification systems.
The decision builds on earlier notifications dated July 4, 2025, which allowed women employees in both factories and shops/commercial establishments to work night shifts under specific safety, transport, and welfare conditions.
🧩 Impact on Employers and Contractors
- Contractors employing female labour in approved establishments can now engage women in night shifts without violating Rule 25(ix).
- Establishments must ensure full compliance with safety, security, and welfare measures prescribed under the parent notifications and applicable labour laws.
- The exemption remains valid for the same period as granted in the corresponding establishment’s night shift approval.
🗣️ Conclusion
With this notification, the Haryana Government reaffirms its commitment to women’s empowerment, workplace equality, and inclusive labour reforms. The move is expected to boost employment opportunities for women, especially in manufacturing, IT, retail, and service sectors, while maintaining strict adherence to safety norms.