In a major step toward gender equality at the workplace, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a new order that allows women to work night shifts between 7:00 pm and 6:00 am. The decision, released through an official Gazette notification, is being praised as a progressive move that aims to increase women’s participation in different industries while ensuring their safety and fair treatment.
Under the new directive, women can now work at night if they give written consent. The government has also outlined several conditions that employers must follow to protect the safety, dignity, and welfare of women employees. This decision is expected to open up more job opportunities for women, especially in sectors like manufacturing, services, healthcare, and information technology, where round-the-clock work is common.
The government’s order focuses strongly on the safety and well-being of women working late hours. Employers are required to maintain strict security and provide safe working environments. CCTV surveillance must be installed across all areas of the workplace, especially entry and exit points. Additionally, female security guards must be present during the night shift to address any safety concerns.
To ensure secure travel, employers must provide transport facilities for women working night shifts. These vehicles will be equipped with GPS tracking and will be available for pick-up and drop-off. The order also directs that women workers should not be left alone at the workplace; at least a few female employees should be scheduled together for night shifts to ensure safety in numbers.
Employers are also responsible for maintaining adequate lighting inside and around the workplace and ensuring that restrooms and break areas remain safe and accessible.
Along with physical safety, the government has also emphasized fair wages. Women working during night hours will be paid double their regular wages for the same duration. This rule ensures that women receive fair compensation for working at odd hours and motivates employers to follow the new guidelines sincerely.
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The new order has also expanded women’s working rights by allowing them to work up to six days a week, removing earlier restrictions on shift timings and schedules. This change gives more flexibility to women who wish to work additional days or longer shifts, especially in industries that operate 24/7.
A major highlight of the decision is the revision of the overtime cap. Previously, women employees could work a maximum of 75 overtime hours per quarter. Under the new rule, this limit has been increased to 144 hours per quarter. Importantly, overtime will be compensated at double the normal wage rate, ensuring women are fairly rewarded for extra hours.
This change not only benefits women who seek to increase their earnings but also helps employers meet high production demands while maintaining fair labour practices.
In a bold move, the Uttar Pradesh government has also allowed women to work in 29 categories of hazardous industries, a space that was previously restricted. These include sectors involving chemicals, heavy machinery, and manufacturing processes once considered unsafe for female workers.
However, this inclusion comes with strict safety conditions. Employers in these industries must adhere to all safety regulations, provide protective gear, and conduct regular safety audits. The aim is to create equal opportunities for women across diverse professions while keeping their health and safety as a top priority.
This decision represents a shift in mindset—recognising that women are equally capable of handling roles in all sectors when proper safety standards are maintained.
The new policy aligns with a nationwide effort to expand women’s employment opportunities. Recently, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced similar reforms allowing women to work night shifts across shops and commercial establishments under the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act of 1954.
These parallel initiatives across states reflect India’s growing commitment to gender equality in the workplace. With more women entering the workforce, governments are now focused on creating safer, more flexible, and better-paying working conditions.
In Uttar Pradesh, officials have stated that the government will closely monitor the implementation of these new rules. Employers who fail to follow safety, transport, or wage-related provisions will face strict legal action under labour laws. Regular inspections will be carried out to ensure compliance and accountability.
The decision by the Yogi Adityanath government is being viewed as an important milestone in the journey toward women’s empowerment. By ensuring that women can work freely, safely, and fairly even during night shifts, the state has taken a progressive step that could inspire similar reforms in other regions.
Experts believe the policy will particularly benefit women in manufacturing, IT, healthcare, and hospitality industries, where night shifts are essential to operations. Moreover, the guarantee of double wages and strong security measures is expected to make these jobs more attractive to women seeking stable employment.
This move reflects the government’s understanding that gender equality cannot be achieved without equal work opportunities. Allowing women to work at night, supported by safety measures and fair pay, will not only boost economic growth but also promote a more inclusive society where women can work confidently in any environment.
As Uttar Pradesh sets this new example, the state hopes to see more women joining the workforce, strengthening both the economy and the idea of equality in India’s workplaces.
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