Will the Bengal government introduce new night shift safety guidelines soon?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The West Bengal government is poised to introduce crucial guidelines aimed at safeguarding women working night shifts in various industries, particularly in IT. These measures come in response to a tragic incident, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety standards. Discover how these new regulations will reshape workplace dynamics and protect women workers.
Key Takeaways
- Safety guidelines for women working night shifts are being introduced in West Bengal.
- Organizations must obtain written consent from women willing to work at night.
- Safety measures include GPS tracking, trained security, and emergency alert systems.
- The guidelines mandate the establishment of a zero tolerance policy towards sexual harassment.
- Internal safety review committees will monitor compliance every three months.
Kolkata, July 30 (NationPress) The government of West Bengal is preparing to implement a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at enhancing the safety and protection of women employed in night shifts, particularly in the Information Technology (IT) sector and various other industries.
The home department has finalized a draft and is currently seeking input from multiple departments, including IT, health, transport, and police, where women frequently work during nighttime hours.
This initiative was prompted by the horrific rape and murder of a female doctor from the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, which occurred on the hospital premises during her night shift last August.
A government source indicated that while it will not be compulsory for women to work night shifts, organizations will need to obtain written consent from those who choose to do so voluntarily, as stated by a senior official on Wednesday.
Following the tragic R.G. Kar incident, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee pledged to introduce these guidelines to ensure the safety of women working at night.
The court has also mandated similar measures for the state. Reports from the state secretariat reveal that the draft proposal outlines a total of 22 critical points.
These guidelines stipulate that organizations employing women for night shifts must guarantee their safety during their commutes to and from work at night.
According to the guidelines, the organization’s vehicle transporting female employees should be equipped with GPS tracking, and trained female security personnel must accompany them. Additionally, an emergency alert button should be installed within the vehicle as a precautionary measure.
The draft guidelines further specify that night shifts will operate from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., and that at least 10 women or one-third of the total number of employees on a shift should remain together in the workplace. Moreover, provisions must be made for female workers to rest and a canteen must be available so they do not need to leave the office for meals.
An ambulance should be readily available, and CCTVs need to be installed at all entry and exit points, as well as in office corridors. Organizations are required to establish an internal committee to address complaints and adopt a zero tolerance policy towards sexual harassment, according to the official.
Furthermore, the emergency contact number for workplace safety should be prominently displayed in an easily noticeable location within the office. The draft also states that every company must have an internal safety review committee that convenes every three months to monitor compliance.
If compliance is found lacking, the organization will face penalties in accordance with labor laws.
Point of View
I firmly believe that the introduction of safety guidelines for women working night shifts is a crucial and necessary step. In light of the recent tragic events, it is essential for the government to prioritize the well-being of women in the workforce, ensuring they can work safely and with dignity.
NationPress
31/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the West Bengal government to introduce new guidelines?
The introduction of the guidelines was prompted by the tragic rape and murder of a female doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital during her night shift.
Will women be required to work night shifts?
No, working night shifts will not be mandatory for women. Organizations will need written consent from those who choose to work at night.
What safety measures will be implemented for female workers?
Safety measures include GPS tracking in vehicles, trained female security personnel, emergency alert buttons, and CCTV installations.
How often will the internal safety review committee meet?
The internal safety review committee is required to meet every three months to ensure compliance with the new guidelines.
What consequences will companies face for non-compliance?
Companies that fail to adhere to the guidelines may face fines according to labor laws.
