The Labor Commissioner of Nagaland, Er SL Wati Aier, has issued a clarification regarding Section 20 of the Nagaland Shops & Establishments Act, 1986, which deals with the employment of women during night hours.
According to the clarification, there is currently no law in force in the state that prohibits women from working during night hours, notwithstanding the wording of Section 20 of the 1986 Act. It stated that women may be engaged in employment beyond 7:00 p.m. and/or before 6:00 a.m., provided certain safeguards are observed.
The safeguards include: Voluntary consent – Employment during night hours will be allowed only with the voluntary and written consent of the woman employee.
Safety measures – Employers must ensure adequate transport, lighting, and security arrangements for safe travel and workplace conditions.
Compliance with labor laws – Provisions on working hours, overtime, rest intervals, and weekly holidays under the Act and other relevant labor laws must be fully complied with.
The Labor Commissioner informed that the clarification is effective immediately and has been issued with the approval of the competent authority.
