Employment Timing for Women in Factories: Are There Exceptions to the 7 p.m. Rule?

Employment Timing for Female Employees in Factories

What is the latest timing for the employment of female employees in factories? Is there any amendment regarding this? According to the Factory Act of 1948, women cannot be employed between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. However, sometimes, due to factory requirements, it becomes necessary to utilize their services after 7 p.m. for 1 or 2 hours.

As per the Factories Act, no women should be employed in a factory between 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. However, with special permission from the Inspector of Factories and Boilers, employment is allowed up to 10 p.m. Under any circumstances, the act does not permit the employment of women between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. This is not applicable to establishments coming under the Shops and Establishment Act.

However, nowadays, many factories are engaging women round the clock. In fact, the Madras High Court has made a judgment with respect to the textile industries in Tamil Nadu, permitting the employment of women at night with some conditions. Similarly, the Punjab Government has also made similar provisions for the employment of women in textile industries.

Usually, the Inspectorate of Factories does not voluntarily initiate any action. If there is any complaint, they will give notice.

Care should be taken to ensure that unhappy occurrences like sexual harassment do not happen during night hours. If it happens, the situation will go out of control.

The Factories Act, which was made about 60 years ago, did not foresee the cultural development that would happen in India by this time.

Hence, it is high time the Act is amended to permit women to work round the clock.

Regards,
Sebastian K S