- Haryana has amended its labor laws to allow women to work in all sectors
- The change comes through amendments to the Punjab Factories Rules, 1952, removing long-standing restrictions
- Pregnant and lactating women are exempt from hazardous work, and employers must ensure strict safety measures
In a historic move toward gender parity in the workforce, the Haryana Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, has approved amendments to state labor laws allowing women to work across all sectors, including engineering, manufacturing, and previously restricted hazardous occupations.
The decision, achieved through amendments to the Punjab Factories Rules, 1952, and related labor codes, dismantles long-standing restrictions that barred women from certain industrial processes such as handling heavy machinery, working with chemicals, or operating in glass and petroleum units.
“This amendment will eliminate gender disparity, expand employment opportunities for women, and promote inclusivity in sectors like engineering, chemicals, and manufacturing,” said an official spokesperson, adding that the change aligns with the equality principles of Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution.
While the reform broadens job access, it maintains safeguards for pregnant and lactating women, prohibiting their employment in hazardous processes. Employers are also mandated to ensure strict safety protocols, including workplace security, safe transportation, and grievance redressal systems, especially for night-shift workers.
Haryana had earlier permitted women to work night shifts, provided factories adhered to stringent safety norms. The latest reform consolidates these efforts, furthering the state’s commitment to modern labor practices and women’s empowerment.
