Tue Aug 05 03:01:21 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Mohan Majhi Government in Odisha, India, has issued a notification outlining stricter safety measures for women working night shifts. These measures include mandatory written consent from female employees, a minimum of three women present at any night shift (potentially including an onsite female employer), a ban on employing adolescent females at night, provision of safe transportation with GPS tracking and verified drivers, adequate toilet and water facilities with CCTV surveillance and lighting, prominently displayed helpline numbers, mandatory rest periods between shifts, compliance with sexual harassment laws, and a self-certification process for employers. Failure to comply will result in penalties under the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act.

**News Article:**

**Odisha Government Announces Stringent Safety Measures for Women Working Night Shifts**

**BHUBANESWAR, August 5, 2025** – In a move addressing growing concerns over women’s safety, the Odisha government under Mohan Majhi has announced a new set of regulations designed to create a safer working environment for women employed during night shifts. The Labour and Employee’s State Insurance Department released a notification outlining a comprehensive list of mandatory requirements for employers.

Key provisions of the notification include:

* **Mandatory Consent:** Employers must obtain written consent from women employees before assigning them to night shifts.
* **Minimum Female Presence:** A minimum of three women, potentially including an onsite female employer, must be present during any night shift.
* **Adolescent Employment Banned:** The employment of adolescent females during night shifts is strictly prohibited.
* **Safe Transportation:** Employers are required to provide adequate transportation facilities with GPS tracking systems, ensuring safe pick-up and drop-off at or near employees’ residences. Drivers must undergo bio-data verification and police checks.
* **Improved Facilities:** Adequate toilet/washroom and drinking water facilities, equipped with CCTV surveillance and proper lighting, must be provided near the workplace.
* **Helpline Accessibility:** Emergency contact numbers, including government and Labour & ESI Department helplines, must be prominently displayed.
* **Rest Periods:** A minimum of eight consecutive hours of rest is mandated between shifts when an employee transitions from day to night work, and vice versa.
* **Sexual Harassment Compliance:** Employers must adhere to the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
* **Self-Certification:** Employers engaging women during night shifts must submit a self-certification electronically, confirming compliance with all regulations.

The government has stated that any violation of these regulations will result in penalties under Section 35 of the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956. The move is being seen as a significant step towards ensuring the safety, security, and dignity of women in the workforce across Odisha.

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