Harayana: Night Shift Exemption for Women Employees

The Haryana Government has released an updated notification on October 13, 2025, providing conditional exemption for the employment of women in night shifts (8:00 PM to 6:00 AM) in shops and commercial establishments under the Haryana Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958. This move aims to enable greater workforce participation while securing the safety and welfare of women employees.​

Application & Validity

• Establishments seeking exemption must apply online at least two weeks prior to the required period. Self-certification is the mode of approval.

• Exemption orders are valid for one year. Any changes in security, transportation, or management details must be updated online.​

Mandatory Workplace Safeguards

• Strict compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 is essential.

• Employers must obtain written consent from each woman employee for night shift work.

• Shops must install CCTV cameras and ensure proper lighting both within and around the premises.

• Adequate security guards must be deployed during night shifts.​

Transport and Safety Protocol

• Free transport must be provided from the woman employee’s residence to the workplace and back, equipped with GPS for tracking.

• Supervisors will decide and monitor pick-up and drop routes. No woman should be first picked or last dropped unless accompanied by background-verified security.

• Employees’ personal details are to remain confidential and undisclosed to unauthorized persons.

• Establishments should set up a dedicated control room or travel desk for vehicle movement monitoring.​

Additional HR and Welfare Measures

• Minimum batch size for women employees on night shift: four. This requirement may be relaxed for senior women in IT/ITeS earning over ₹1 lakh/month who consent to solo work.

• Immediate medical facilities must be available nearby through arrangements with local hospitals, and emergency contacts should be prominently displayed.

• Separate and exclusive boarding and lodging must be provided for women where relevant, under female supervision.

• Women will not be required to work night shifts 12 weeks before and after childbirth, miscarriage, or medical termination, or longer if certified by a doctor.​

Compliance & Display

• All relevant Labour, Maternity Benefit, and Equal Remuneration laws continue to apply.

• This exemption does not override other government orders, advisories, or police instructions.

• Employers must prominently display a copy of the notification at the workplace entrance or exit.

Please find attached the notification.

Exemption_notification_regarding_employment_of_women_during_night_shifts_in_All_Shops_and_Commercial_Es