Himachal Pradesh allows women to work night shifts in Shops and Establishments with strict safety conditions

The Himachal Pradesh Government has issued a notification permitting women to work night shifts in all shops and commercial establishments across the State for a period of one year from the date of publication, as part of its Ease of Doing Business reforms under the 2024 Business Reform Action Plan. Exercising powers under Section 27 of the H.P. Shops & Commercial Establishments Act, 1969, this exemption from Section 29(1) aims to promote workplace gender equality while ensuring strong safety and welfare measures.

Women may now be engaged in work before 6:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m., with overtime governed by the Act’s provisions, and maternity benefits under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 remaining fully applicable. Employers must provide secure, GPS- and CCTV-enabled transport, continuous workplace CCTV surveillance, adequate lighting, first-aid and ambulance access, and nearby sanitation and drinking water facilities. Compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 is mandatory. Additionally, employers are required to submit quarterly electronic returns detailing women employed in night shifts.

By coupling operational flexibility with a comprehensive set of safeguards, the State seeks to encourage greater female participation in the workforce without compromising on safety, health, or dignity at work.