The opposition Biju Janata Dal in Odisha on Tuesday voiced serious concern over the safety of women working night shifts, arguing that the Bharatiya Janata Party government’s recent labour reforms must genuinely empower both farmers and workers.
The BJD’s comments come a day after the state Cabinet approved proposals to increase the maximum daily working time from nine hours to ten hours (with a 48-hour weekly cap), to allow women employees to work night shifts, and to enhance overtime wages. These changes are intended to foster economic growth and streamline business operations in the state, which Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said were necessary to boost industrial activities.
Addressing a press conference at the BJD’s state headquarters, trade union leader Subhas Singh, who is also the Cuttack Mayor, noted that the amendments to the Factories Act, 1948, and the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956, allow for extended working hours, 24/7 operations, and night shifts for women.
Singh warned that "If the reforms are implemented without proper rider, workers will lose the ability to raise their voices for their rights and will be forced to work more." He added that "Engaging women at work after evening hours will raise questions about their safety." While acknowledging the government's intention to spur economic growth and attract investment, he insisted that such reforms must "not come at the expense of workers' rights and dignity, especially for vulnerable groups like contract and casual labourers."
Stressing on the key areas of concern, the BJD leader stressed that overtime must remain strictly voluntary, warning that labourers could face undue pressure to work beyond reasonable time limits without explicit safeguards.
On the provision allowing women on night shifts, Singh called for the "urgent publication of detailed safety guidelines and clear accountability structures to ensure their safety."
Opposition chief whip and senior BJD leader Pramila Mallik echoed the safety concerns, directly questioning the legal language: “What does a written consent by women mean?” She demanded: “Let the government give a full guarantee that women on night duty will be safe and secure at their workplaces and on their transit to factories or on their return home."
The Bharatiya Janata Party government now faces pressure to demonstrate how it plans to implement these regulatory changes without compromising worker security.
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