The Government of Tripura on March 24th 2025 has notified the Tripura Shops and Establishments (Sixth Amendment) Act, 2024, bringing significant changes to the working hour regulations, especially for women employees in the state’s shops and establishments.
The amendment, published in the Tripura Gazette on March 24, 2025, follows the assent of the Governor received on March 7, 2025. The Act aims to align state laws with the Ease of Doing Business initiatives promoted by the Government of India, while ensuring safety and dignity for women in the workplace.
Key Highlights of the Amendment:
- Young persons (as defined under the Act) are not allowed to work after 8:00 PM.
- Women employees can now work in any shift on any day, without restrictions, provided:
- They give written consent for working between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
- Employers ensure:
- Transportation to and from their residence.
- Shelter, restroom, ladies’ toilet, and night crèche.
- Safety and protection from sexual harassment.
- Preservation of dignity, honour, and privacy.
This progressive step balances workplace flexibility with employee safety, allowing women to work night shifts only under clearly defined protections.
The amendment replaces the previous restrictive provisions under Section 10 of the Principal Act (Tripura Shops and Establishments Act, 1970), marking a move toward gender-inclusive reforms in the workforce.
