In a landmark decision aimed at transforming women’s workforce participation, the Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out major labour reforms allowing women to work night shifts between 7 pm and 6 am—with double wages, enhanced safety measures, and strict employer accountability. The order marks one of the most progressive steps in India for women’s employment rights, opening doors even to hazardous industries, where women were earlier barred from working after sundown.
A Big Shift Under CM Yogi Adityanath’s Leadership
According to the official Gazette notification, night-shift work for women will now be allowed only with their written consent, ensuring that no employer can compel or pressure female employees into late-hour duties. The government has made it clear: if women choose the night shift, they must get paid double the wage rate—making it one of the highest payout mandates for women in India’s industrial workforce.
This decision follows President Droupadi Murmu’s approval of the Uttar Pradesh Factories Amendment Act, which came into effect earlier in October.
What Employers Must Provide
To make night shifts safe and accessible, the government has made several provisions mandatory:
●Dedicated transport from home to workplace and back
●CCTV surveillance inside and outside the factory premises
●Security guards during all working hours
●Access to health facilities
●Maximum six-day work week
Overtime ceiling raised from 75 hours to 144 hours per quarter, paid at double the standard rate
These rules apply across sectors—manufacturing, corporate setups, processing plants and even hazardous units—making this policy one of the most inclusive reforms for women workers in India.
Boosting Women’s Workforce Participation
With women making up 36% of Uttar Pradesh’s workforce, the Yogi Adityanath government expects this move to significantly increase female participation across factories, industrial zones, and emerging corporate hubs.
Uttar Pradesh already has over one crore women linked to Self-Help Groups (SHGs), contributing to household income, local businesses, and rural industries. The new labour reforms are seen as a natural extension of this women-led growth story.
Strong Safety Infrastructure Already in Place
The state highlighted major improvements in women’s security over recent years through initiatives such as:
●1090 Women Power Line
●112 Helpline
●1,694 Anti-Romeo squads
●9,000+ exclusive women police beats established under the Safe City Project
The government also recorded the highest conviction rate in crimes against women—71%, compared to the national average of 18%, showing a focused zero-tolerance stance on gender violence.
Part of a Larger Movement Across India
Uttar Pradesh’s reform comes shortly after the Delhi government allowed women to work night shifts in shops and commercial establishments with similar protections, signalling a nationwide shift toward modern, gender-inclusive labour policies.
A Turning Point for India’s Working Women
The UP night-shift reform is being hailed as a monumental step toward economic independence, gender equality, and industrial modernization. With better pay, improved safety, and greater opportunities, the policy is expected to reshape how India views women in the workforce—empowering lakhs of women to take up new roles, new shifts, and new possibilities.
