The Government of Madhya Pradesh has issued new safety regulations for women working night shifts in shops, commercial establishments, and factories. These measures aim to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of women who choose to work between 8 PM and 6 AM (factories) or 9 PM and 7 AM (shops and establishments).
The rules have been notified under:
- Madhya Pradesh Shops and Establishments Act, 1958
- Factories Act, 1948
These notifications replace previous guidelines and come into immediate effect.
🏪 For Shops and Commercial Establishments
✅ Key Conditions:
- Written Consent Mandatory: Women must voluntarily opt for night duty with written consent.
- Minimum Strength: At least five women must work together in a night shift.
- Maternity Laws: Must comply with the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and other relevant laws.
- Workplace Security:
- Women security guards at entry and exit points if 10 or more women are employed.
- CCTV surveillance and well-lit access to all workplace areas.
- Facilities Provided:
- Clean toilets, washrooms, and drinking water must be available.
- A separate rest room must be provided for workplaces with 10 or more women.
- Sexual Harassment Compliance: Full adherence to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
🏭 For Factories and Manufacturing Units
✅ Key Conditions:
- Written Consent and Batch Work: Same as above—mandatory written consent and at least five women per night shift.
- Transport Facilities: Safe pick-up and drop services to/from the woman’s residence must be arranged.
- Secure Working Conditions: No woman should face discrimination or disadvantage for working at night.
- Essential Amenities:
- Toilets, washrooms, dining and rest areas must be provided.
- All access ways must be well-lit and under CCTV surveillance.
- On-Site Security:
- Women guards at workplace entry and exit.
- At least 1/3rd of night supervisors (shift-in-charge, foremen, etc.) must be women.
- Accommodation Rules:
- If boarding/lodging is provided, it must be exclusively for women, overseen by women wardens.
- Rest Between Shifts:
- A minimum 12-hour rest period between day and night shifts must be ensured.
- Sexual Harassment Act Compliance: As with shops, strict compliance with the 2013 Act is required.
📢 Impact and Significance
These updated terms are a progressive step toward gender inclusivity and safety in workplaces. By mandating consent, providing secure transport and facilities, and ensuring female representation in supervisory roles, the state encourages equal employment opportunities while protecting women’s rights and dignity.