Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Uttar Pradesh Allows Women to Work Night Shifts, Citing Safety and Empowerment
Imagine a rule that said women could only work during the day, like before the sun went down.
In a place called Uttar Pradesh, this rule kept many women from getting better jobs or earning more money, even if they wanted to.
But now, leaders have changed this old rule.
Women can choose to work at night in factories if they want to.
To make sure they are safe, factories must follow strict rules.
These include having cameras watching everything, security guards, safe transportation, and making sure there are at least four women working together.
This change is to give women more choices and help them earn more, showing that they are becoming more empowered.
Uttar Pradesh has lifted the ban on women working night shifts in factories, allowing them to work from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The new policy requires explicit written consent from women and mandates stringent safety measures, including CCTV, trained guards, and GPS-tracked transport.
Previously, a law prevented women from factory work after 7 p.m., limiting economic opportunities and contributing to low female labor force participation.
The change is attributed to an improved law-and-order situation and a broader government focus on women's empowerment and safety.
Female labor force participation in Uttar Pradesh has seen an increase, rising from 14.7% in 2011-12 to 21.7% in 2022-23.
- Who
- The Uttar Pradesh government and women factory workers.
- What
- A new amendment allows women to work night shifts in factories, with enhanced safety protocols.
- When
- Effective from November 12, 2025, overturning a long-standing ban.
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Why
- To enhance women's economic mobility, promote gender equality, and provide them with more employment choices, supported by improved law and order.
- Previous Night Shift Ban
- Section 66(1)(b) of the Factories Act, 1948, prohibited women from working in factories after 7 p.m.
- New Policy Implementation
- Uttar Pradesh Factories Amendment Act allows women to work night shifts from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Key Safety Measures
- Mandatory written consent, CCTV monitoring, trained guards, GPS-tracked transport, minimum of four women per shift.
- Female Labor Force Participation (2011-12)
- 14.7% in Uttar Pradesh, below the national average.
- Female Labor Force Participation (2022-23)
- 21.7% in Uttar Pradesh.
- Conviction Rate for Crimes Against Women (UP, 2022)
- 71%, compared to the national average of 18%.