To promote Ease of Doing Business and support gender-inclusive employment, Himachal Pradesh has relaxed restrictions on night shift work for women, aligning with the Business Reform Action Plan, 2024.

The State has granted exemption from Section 29(1) of the Act for one year, permitting women to work night shifts, subject to the following conditions:

• Women workers may now be employed before 6:00 AM and after 7:00 PM in applicable establishments to promote workplace gender equality.
• Employers may allow women to work beyond 8 hours, provided the overtime and spread-over limits under the Act and Rules are followed.
• All women employees must be provided maternity benefits as per the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.
• Employers must ensure transportation (with CCTV and GPS) is available for pick-up and drop of women employees where feasible.
• Sufficient workplace supervision and CCTV monitoring must be in place during night hours to ensure safety.
• Proper lighting must be ensured in all work areas and surrounding premises during night shifts.
• Employers must maintain a First Aid Box and arrange for first aid and emergency ambulance services when needed.
• Clean and accessible toilets, drinking water, and washrooms must be located near work areas with safe access paths.
• Employers must ensure a safe, healthy, and secure working environment that does not disadvantage women employees.
• Compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 is mandatory.
• A quarterly return with details of women working night shifts must be filed electronically with the local Inspector.
• Any other directions issued by the State Government in future must also be followed.