Karnataka debates night shifts for women

14 May, 2007: How safe are women working on night shifts? This is currently the topic of debate in the southern state of Karnataka following Governor T N Chaturvedi's suggestion to drop the legislation stipulating safety measures for women working in organizations coming under the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act.

The cabinet is expected to ponder over the issue. According to a report, Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act had been passed in the form of an amendment to the parent Act of 1961, during the previous legislature session without debate. It may be noted that the cabinet had cleared it too.

The amendment had only sought to ensure that employers provide adequate security to women and enhanced penalty for any violation, trouble arose when Labour Minister Iqbal Ansari misinterpreted this saying that night shifts have been banned for women. Real trouble erupted following this when widespread protests began. The Governor observed if the government was going to interpret the Bill that it bans night shifts, then it would violate constitutional equality and social policy followed by the Centre. He added that as it also amounted to gender inequality, he wanted the notification to be withdrawn.

A report quoting the state Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said that the CM’s office has taken note of the reactions and protests against the amendment. He clarified that the amendment was only meant to further tighten security for women working late.

He added that a decision on how to go about the Act, which also includes the Governor's view not to enforce it, will be taken in a couple of days’ time.