UP Govt allows women to work night shifts between 7 pm and 6 am with written consent; offers double pay, CCTV safety, and secure transport

The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a major step for working women by allowing them to work night shifts between 7 pm and 6 am. 

Women can now take up these shifts if they give written consent to their employer. The new rule also includes double pay, CCTV security, and safe transport to and from work. 

The move aims to give women more job options while keeping their safety a top priority.

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Key details of Uttar Pradesh’s new night-shift rules for women

Under the new notification, women can now legally take up work during night hours as long as they voluntarily agree in writing. Employers are required to maintain this record and follow several safety and welfare rules laid down by the government.

According to reports, women working night shifts will now get double pay for their services. The rule also raises the overtime limit from 75 hours to 144 hours per quarter, allowing women to earn more if they choose extra work.

To ensure safety, the law makes CCTV cameras, security guards, and door-to-door transport mandatory for all women working these shifts. Health facilities, separate restrooms, and emergency helplines must also be available in the workplace.

Another major change is that women can now work in all 29 hazardous industries, which were earlier restricted to only 12. The policy also allows 12-hour workdays, including rest breaks, provided weekly work-hour limits are not crossed.

Officials have said the goal is to give women equal opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, IT, and electronics, where night shifts are common. 

This step is expected to help companies meet their workforce demands while also increasing women’s participation in formal jobs.

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Impact on women’s employment and public response

The policy has received widespread attention as it balances job opportunities with strong safety guidelines. Labour experts believe that more women may now take up night jobs in factories, call centres, and service industries, leading to higher income and better representation in the workforce.

However, many also point out that implementation will decide how effective the rules are. Transport, proper lighting, and real-time security monitoring are essential for the plan to work smoothly.

This announcement comes at a time when several states are rethinking labour laws to include more women in the formal sector. With these new rules, Uttar Pradesh joins the list of states making changes to improve gender equality in workplaces.

If the new policy is enforced effectively, it could become a model for other states—giving women the choice to work night shifts safely, earn better wages, and contribute more actively to India’s growing industries.

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