The Government of Himachal Pradesh has issued a landmark notification allowing women workers to be employed in night shifts in all factories across the state, effective immediately. This step is part of the state’s initiative to improve Ease of Doing Business and enhance gender inclusivity in industrial employment.
The notification, released by the Labour, Employment & Overseas Placement Department on 2nd August 2025, supersedes the previous circular dated 12th August 2022. It is issued under the authority of Section 112 of the Factories Act, 1948 and aligned with the Himachal Pradesh Factories (Amendment) Rules, 2025.
✅ Key Conditions for Night Shift Employment of Women in Factories
Permissible Night Shift Timings:
Women can work between 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM in any factory in the state.
Working Hour Limit:
- Maximum 8 hours per day
- Not exceeding 48 hours per week
Maternity Benefits:
Employers must comply with the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.
Mandatory Safety Measures:
CCTV surveillance during night hours
Adequate lighting in the entire workplace
Accessible first-aid facilities on-site
Basic Amenities:
Toilets, washrooms, and drinking water must be near the work area and well-maintained.
Safe and convenient access to these amenities is mandatory.
Workplace Safety & Equality:
Employers must ensure a safe, secure, and non-discriminatory work environment for women workers.
Sexual Harassment Prevention:
Full compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 is mandatory.
Quarterly Reporting Requirement:
Employers must submit electronic returns every quarter to the jurisdictional labour inspector, detailing the number of women working night shifts.
Future Amendments:
Additional conditions may be introduced by the State Government as needed.
📈 Boosting Employment & Compliance Ease
This progressive move aligns with the Government of India’s priority on regulatory simplification and is expected to open up more employment avenues for women in the industrial sector while ensuring their rights and safety are protected.
👉 Employers are encouraged to review their internal policies and factory infrastructure to comply with the new rules and facilitate smooth onboarding of women workers for night shifts.
For official documentation and updates, visit: labour.hp.gov.in