Andhra Government introduces bill to allow women to work in night shifts

Vijayawada: Women employees will be allowed to work in night shifts also. The Ministry of Labour, Employment Training and Factories introduced amendments to Section-23 of the Andhra Pradesh Shops and Establishments Act 1988 in this regard. As per the amendments, the women employees are allowed to work between 8.30 pm and 6 am in any establishment. 

But the managements should strictly provide certain prescribed safety norms and procedures. The State government has taken the decision following the requests made by software and IT companies. As per the government’s proposal, the women employees are allowed to work between 8.30 pm and 6 am in any establishment with some conditions. The employer should take the prescribed safety and security measures. The provisions like shelters, restrooms, lunch rooms, night crèches, ladies toilets, and adequate protection of their dignity, honour and safety, protection from sexual harassment should be provided to the women employees. 

Similarly, the employer also should appoint at least five women employees together at the work location. The transportation facility to women employees at doorsteps of their residence from work premises should be provided by employer. The women employees should not be allowed to work during a period of 16 weeks before and after child birth. Eight weeks additional time should be given to women employees if any specified medical certificate is produced stating the necessity for leave. 

Minister for Labour, Employment Training and Factories Pithani Satyanarayana tabled the Bill in the Assembly two days ago.  The Bill would officially give protection to the women employees. IT companies and several establishments including hospitals can utilise the services of women employees in night shifts. Apart from this, the women employees could get security at work location as per the prescribed rules by State government, said one senior official.