Haryana Government Notifies Conditions for Women's Night Shift Employment

The Haryana Government Labour Department issued a significant notification on May 8, 2025, outlining specific conditions for the employment of women during night shifts in certain establishments across the state. This notification, numbered 11/26/2025-4Lab, was published in the Haryana Government Gazette EXTRAORDINARY and came into force upon its publication. The instrument, a notification, was issued in exercise of powers conferred by sub-section 3 of section 30 of the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, 1958, and supersedes all earlier notifications on this subject. It specifically targets establishments already permitted to employ women during night shifts, defined as 08:00 PM to 06:00 AM, including IT, ITeS, Banking establishments, three-star or above hotels, hundred per cent export-oriented establishments, and logistics and warehousing establishments. The core objective is to lay down stringent conditions concerning the security, safety, and safeguarding of the interests of women employees in these registered establishments that apply for such exemptions under Section 28 of the said Act.

Key provisions introduced by the notification include a requirement for exemption applications to be submitted to the Labour Commissioner or Chief Inspector of Shops of Haryana at least one month prior to the commencement of the exemption period. Each exemption granted will be valid for one year, subject to no changes in security, transportation agreements, or details of the occupier, director, or manager. Employers are mandated to ensure compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act), including submitting a copy of the Annual Return to both the District Authority and the Labour Commissioner, Haryana. A crucial requirement is for employers to obtain explicit consent from each woman employee willing to work during the night shift. The notification also stipulates that proper lighting must be provided not only inside the establishment but also in its surroundings and all areas where female employees may need to move. Sufficient security guards are to be provided during night shifts, and employers must arrange transportation facilities for women workers from their residence and back, equipped with security guards (including female security guards), well-trained drivers, and proper communication channels. Practical measures such as CCTV cameras and GPS in vehicles are also suggested. However, a woman worker may opt out of the transportation facility if she provides consent to arrange her own commute. The occupier may also pool transportation facilities by collaborating with external transporters. Furthermore, women workers are generally to be employed in batches of not less than four, though this quorum may be relaxed in the IT and ITeS sectors for women in senior positions earning over one lakh per month, provided they give consent. Appropriate medical facilities, including a doctor or female nurse, must be available during night shifts, with occupiers having the option to pool ambulance services and medical facilities with nearby hospitals. Exclusive boarding and lodging arrangements for women employees, if provided, must be under the control of women wardens or supervisors. The legislation provided: “…hereby notify for laying down certain conditions for employing women employees during night shifts with respect to their security, safety and to safeguard the interest of women employees…”

This legislative action by the Haryana Government Labour Department aims to formalize and strengthen the protective framework for women working night shifts, addressing the policy rationale of ensuring gender equality in employment opportunities while prioritizing safety. The earlier legal position involved ad-hoc notifications granting permission for women to work night shifts in specific sectors, which necessitated a more comprehensive and standardized approach. The notification seeks to fill statutory gaps by consolidating disparate directives into a single, clear set of conditions, thereby enhancing the safety and welfare of women employees. It introduces new obligations for employers, particularly regarding transportation, security, and medical support, and reinforces existing legal duties under the POSH Act. By superseding previous notifications, the government has established a unified regulatory regime, ensuring consistent application of rules across the specified establishments. The enforcement mechanisms are built around the Labour Commissioner and Chief Inspector of Shops, who will oversee the application and compliance process, with the one-year validity period for exemptions allowing for regular review and adherence checks. This move reflects a commitment to creating a safer working environment for women, enabling them to participate in the workforce during night hours in sectors vital to the state's economy, while mitigating associated risks.

Keywords: Haryana, Labour Law, Women Employment, Night Shift, Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, POSH Act, Worker Safety, Labour Department, Notification Geo Tags: India, Haryana District: Not Applicable