Puducherry Takes Historic Step for Women Workers' Rights
In a significant move toward gender equality in the workplace, the Puducherry government has amended restrictive provisions under the Factories Act, 1984, to allow women employees to work in factories until 10 PM. This landmark decision aims to create equal opportunities and foster inclusive economic participation for women across the Union territory.
Extended Working Hours and Safety Measures
The government has officially passed a notification extending the permissible working hours for women by three crucial hours. Previously, women were only permitted to work night shifts until 7 PM, but the new rules now enable them to work until 10 PM.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Labour, R Smitha, confirmed the development in an official statement, emphasizing that the extension represents a significant three-hour increase from the previous cutoff time. This change is expected to substantially enhance employment opportunities for women in Puducherry's industrial establishments.
Ensuring Safety and Welfare
Recognizing the importance of women's safety during extended working hours, the government has mandated that employers provide free transport facilities for all women employees working in factories until 10 PM. This crucial safety provision ensures that women can work later shifts without compromising their security and well-being.
The administration has been actively implementing initiatives to empower women employees by facilitating their workforce participation through extended and flexible working hours. The government is also working on easing other restrictive terms and conditions related to employment in general.
Toward Gender Equality in Industrial Sector
This progressive reform aligns with the government's broader vision of promoting gender equality and ensuring women's inclusive economic participation. By removing outdated restrictions, the Puducherry government is creating pathways for women to access better employment opportunities while maintaining their safety and welfare in industrial workplaces.
The move is particularly significant for the manufacturing and industrial sectors, where shift work is common, and the previous restrictions limited women's ability to take on certain roles or advance their careers. With these changes, women in Puducherry can now compete on equal footing with their male counterparts in the industrial workforce.
