After RG Kar Incident, Bengal Government to Introduce New Guidelines for Women’s Safety in Night Shifts

Kolkata, July 31  – Following the rape and murder of a female doctor during a night shift at RG Kar Medical College last year, the West Bengal government is set to take strict measures for women’s safety. The state will soon issue new safety guidelines for women working night shifts in sectors including Information Technology (IT) and other industries.

The State Home Department has prepared a draft of these guidelines after consulting departments such as IT, Health, Transport, and Police, where women frequently work during night hours.

22-Point Draft Prepared

According to sources, the draft includes a total of 22 points. A senior government official stated that working night shifts will not be mandatory for women. If a woman voluntarily agrees to work at night, the organisation must obtain her written consent.

One of the key provisions is that companies employing women for night shifts must ensure complete safety during their travel to and from the workplace. Vehicles used for transporting female employees must be equipped with GPS tracking systems, trained female security guards, and emergency alert buttons.

Night Shift Timings and Workplace Provisions

The defined night shift hours will be from 8 PM to 6 AM. At least 10 women or one-third of the total workforce must be present in the shift to ensure that no woman is left alone.

Workplaces must provide rest areas for women, canteen facilities, CCTV cameras at entry and exit points, and emergency ambulance services. In addition, every organisation must establish an internal complaints committee that will adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment.

Emergency contact numbers related to workplace safety must be displayed in clearly visible locations. Each company will also be required to form a security review committee that will meet every three months to assess and update safety measures. Non-compliance with these standards may result in penalties under labour laws.

Notably, following the murder of the female doctor at RG Kar Medical College, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had announced the implementation of these guidelines. The court had also directed the state government to take necessary steps in this regard.