Women workers can now sit while on duty: Kerala Governor

Thiruvananthapuram: Governor P. Sathasivam has approved an ordinance giving women workers, especially in the textile sector, the right to sit during duty hours. 

The state government had earlier passed a draft Bill amending the Kerala Shops and Business Establishments Act 1960 on the basis of the complaints received from women workers, organisations and social activists.

Labour minister T.P. Ramakrishnan said that this was a significant reform by the LDF government which had been implementing various welfare schemes for the workers. 

He urged the employers to grant the workers their rights.

"I have instructed the labour department officials to implement the amendments. With this ordinance coming into effect, the workers in the textile sector, jewellery showrooms and restaurants will have the right to sit during working hours," he said.

The amendments ensure  security for women who work during night hours. There will be strict control and restrictions on deploying women for duty between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.  They will be put on duty during these hours only if there are at least a group of five and two of them should be women. The night duties should ensure the dignity and safety of women and they should be provided transportation to their homes.