Bengaluru: The State Government has permitted women to work in night shifts, if they wish. Thanks to passing of Karnataka Shops and Business Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2020 in the State Legislative Council, working of women in night shift is now allowed.

The Bill will become legislation once the Governor Vajubhai R. Vala gives his assent, after it was passed unanimously in both the Houses.

Tabling the Bill in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, Labour Minister Shivaram Hebbar said already, women are working in night shifts in IT and BT companies. Now, they are allowed to work in other places of their choice and it was mandatory for the companies concerned to ensure the safety and security of women employees. 

“It is left to her choice. She can work anywhere with the consent of her family.” He said the Bill is brought in the interest of safety of women. Now they can work in Bars, Clubs and Malls.

Salient features of the Bill

1. Provide free transport from house to workplace and back with full safety and security

2. Installation of GPS mandatory to monitor movement of vehicle

3. Deploy additional security personnel at workplace for women employees

4. Provide sufficient number of rest-rooms for women

5. Provide safety cupboards

6. Stock emergency medicines

7. Companies must bear the cost of running crèche

8. Surprise inspection of vehicles and drivers

9. Cancellation of trade licence of companies that fail to follow rules

Legislative Council members, Tejaswini Gowda, Ayanur Manjunath, Appajigowda, P.R. Ramesh, Marithibbegowda, B.K. Hariprasad, U.B. Venkatesh and Bharathi Shetty spoke on the Bill.