Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (CDS)

Panaji, Jun 27: On Wednesday, an amendment that would enable women to work night shifts from 7 pm to 6 am, was approved by the state cabinet under the Factories Act, 1948.

The amendment is necessary to make factories a part of the Centre’s Make in India programme and would make them more 'competitive', said deputy chief minister, Vijai Sardesai to the the reporters, post the cabinet meeting. He stated that in the next session of the Goa legislative assembly, the document would be filed. As per TOI report, he added, “Changes in the legislation will boost the manufacturing sector and facilitate ease of doing business.”

Apart from facilitating women to work night shifts, the amendment also emphasises safety of women who work in the factory during night shifts. The amendment states that specific conditions should be specified to ensure their safety.

The government believes that the amendment can combat discrimination against women in the job market. Sardesai explained that there was a deterrent effect on the employment of women due to the specific provisions that restricted employing them for night shifts. He also assured that necessary measures will be taken to ensure that factories follow the required safety measures.

To empower chief inspectors of factories and boilers to enhance the total working hours per week from 60 to 72 and the total overtime hours in any quarter from 75 to 125, an amendment to Section 65 of the Act was approved by the cabinet.

To enable the chief inspector to compound certain offences before or after the institution of prosecution, a new Section 92A has been sought to be inserted.

Additionally, a court can take cognisance of any offence on a complaint by or with the previous sanction in writing of the chief inspector, thanks to another proposed amendment to Section 105 of the Act.

The time allowed for making a complaint will be increased from three to six months due to another proposed amendment to Section 106.