Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jul 4: In a progressive move aimed at expanding employment opportunities for women, the Goa Labour Department has officially notified that women can now be employed in night shifts at shops, warehouses, call centres, and other commercial establishments — provided they give written consent for the same.

The notification, issued on Thursday, aligns with recent amendments in labour regulations that already permit women to work night shifts in select factories and manufacturing units. This development is expected to significantly benefit sectors such as retail, tourism, outsourcing, and hospitality, which operate round-the-clock.

While welcoming the decision, the department has laid down strict safety conditions for employers. Establishments must ensure secure transport facilities for women workers, covering both pick-up and drop-off directly from and to their residences. Additionally, CCTV surveillance is now mandatory in all workplace areas where women are employed during night hours.

"Employment between 7 pm and 6 am shall be with the consent in writing of the concerned women workers," the department stated in the notification. It further emphasized the employer’s responsibility to create a safe, secure and healthy working environment that ensures women are not at any disadvantage owing to their gender.

An industry insider noted that a large number of women are already employed in night shifts at call centres, casinos, restaurants, and supermarkets across Goa. The latest notification is expected to bring clarity and regulatory backing to such employment and could open up new opportunities in areas such as petrol pumps, outsourcing firms, fast-food chains, and tourist services.

By combining flexibility with safety protocols, the government hopes to encourage greater participation of women in Goa’s thriving service sector, especially during night hours — a time historically restricted under outdated norms.