No law bars women from night shifts in Nagaland, says labour commissioner

DIMAPUR — The Labour Commissioner of Nagaland, SL Wati Aier, has clarified that there is no law in the state that prohibits women from working during night hours.

According to a DIPR update on Friday, the commissioner pointed out that while Section 20 of the Nagaland Shops and Establishments Act, 1986, refers to employment of women during night hours, no legal restriction currently exists to bar them from such work.

Women employees may therefore be engaged in employment beyond 7 pm and before 6 am, provided certain safeguards are ensured, it stated.

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These include obtaining the voluntary and written consent of the woman concerned; making adequate transport, lighting and security arrangements; and complying with all labour laws relating to working hours, overtime, rest intervals, and weekly holidays.

The labour commissioner stated that the clarification takes immediate effect and has been issued with the approval of the competent authority.