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The Government has decided to amend Section 66 of the Factories Act, 1948 to allow employment of women workers between 7.00 pm and 6.00 am. Stating this in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, the Minister for Labour and Employment, Shri K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that this has been done on demand of women’s organisations and in tune with the present economic globalization. He said this flexibility would be available to all manufacturing units including the apparel sector. Shri Rao said that three meetings were held with the representatives of the employers and the trade unions before taking the decisions. He said that the proposed Bill will empower the State Governments for allowing the necessary flexibility in employment of women during night shift in factories.
In another written reply the Minister said that the amendment would inter-alia provide that the employer has to ensure occupational safety and adequate protection to the women workers. He said the State Government or any person authorised by it would be allowing employment of women during night only after consulting the workers or their representative organisations and concerned employers or their representatives. He said the State Governments may also frame their own rules for allowing such permissions.
MLD/LK / L-31/May 5
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