Imphal, August 6: In a major policy shift aimed at safeguarding women in industrial workplaces, the Department of Textiles, Commerce & Industry, Government of Manipur, has issued a detailed notification prohibiting women from working night shifts in factories across the state. The directive, which comes into force with immediate effect, outlines a series of protective measures and workplace reforms to ensure the safety, health, and dignity of women workers.
According to the notification, women are strictly prohibited from working between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am. The department has clarified that no woman shall be compelled to work beyond 7 pm under any circumstance. If any woman chooses to work beyond that time, her consent must be obtained in writing, ensuring voluntary participation and legal documentation.
Also read BOSEM and COHSEM Unification Ordered
The notification lays out mandatory safety requirements for factories that employ women. These include proper lighting throughout the premises, comprehensive CCTV surveillance both inside and outside factory buildings, and the provision of transportation facilities to safely escort women employees from the workplace to their homes. These measures are aimed at addressing potential risks and deterring any form of harassment or abuse.
Further strengthening its stance, the department has called for factories to maintain workplace conditions that are conducive to leisure, health, and hygiene. The objective, as stated, is to prevent the development of any hostile or unsafe environment for women at the workplace, promoting not just safety but also mental and physical well-being.
Compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 has been made mandatory for all factories. Employers are required to frame a clear and enforceable policy to prevent sexual harassment, and each factory must appoint a Grievance Officer to address complaints and ensure timely redressal. This is to institutionalize accountability and build confidence among women workers.
Also read ‘I Was Forced to Resign’: N. Biren Singh
In addition to the night shift ban, the notification also addresses the needs of pregnant women and lactating mothers. These employees are now barred from working in factories between 6 am and 7 pm. This provision aligns with the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and underscores the government’s commitment to protecting maternal health and family welfare within the workforce.
Commenting on the development, Anurag Bajpai, Additional Chief Secretary of Textiles, Commerce & Industry, stated in the notification that, “This measure highlights commitment to safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring their safety in the workplace.”
The comprehensive nature of the order signals a focused effort by the Manipur Government to bring about systemic change in industrial workspaces, particularly at a time when issues of gender-based workplace safety continue to gain national attention. The move is expected to impact all factories operating within the state and will require immediate compliance from employers.
Also read In Manipur, Fragile Hopes for Peace as Thadou and Meitei Groups Meet in Imphal
Factory owners, managers, and other stakeholders have been instructed to enforce the new regulations without delay. The government has not ruled out inspections or follow-up actions to ensure that the directives are implemented in letter and spirit.
This notification marks a significant milestone in the state’s labour policy framework, setting a precedent for prioritizing women’s safety and well-being in the workforce.
(Newmai News Network)