India News : The central government has issued new rules under the Labour Codes allowing women to work night shifts, while ensuring their safety and rights. These rules are likely to come into force from April 1.
🔹 Key Provisions Related to Night Shifts
-
Women will be permitted to work night shifts from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM
-
Employers must obtain written consent from female employees
-
Provision of a safe and well-lit workplace is mandatory
-
Employers will be responsible for pick-up and drop facilities from home to workplace and back
🔹 Working Hours and Leave Rules
-
Maximum 48 working hours per week
-
No worker can be made to work more than 48 hours a week
-
Separate notifications will be issued regarding daily working hours, rest intervals, and spread-over
🔹 Relief for Unorganised, Gig, and Platform Workers
-
For workers in the unorganised sector aged 16 years and above,
👉 Aadhaar-linked registration is mandatory -
For gig and platform workers,
👉 Formation of a National Social Security Board -
The board will include representatives from Parliament, State Governments, worker organisations, and employers
🔹 New Definition of Wages
-
If allowances and other payments exceed 50% of total remuneration,
👉 the excess amount will be added to wages -
However, the following will not be treated as wages:
-
Performance-based incentives
-
ESOPs
-
Reimbursement-based payments
-
🔹 Gratuity for Fixed-Term Employees
-
Fixed-term employment has been formally recognised
-
Employees will be eligible for gratuity after one year of continuous service
-
Earlier, gratuity was available to permanent employees only after five years
-
This provision will come into effect from 21 November 2025
🔹 New System for Contractors
-
Introduction of a single electronic licensing system
-
Contractors operating in one or multiple states will receive information on
👉 approval or rejection of licenses within 45 days
🔹 Next Steps
-
Public suggestions have been invited on the draft rules of all four Labour Codes for 30–45 days
-
Final rules are likely to be notified by March
-
Thereafter, the new Labour Codes may be implemented from April 1
According to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, these reforms aim to strengthen worker safety, promote equal opportunities, and enhance social security across sectors.
