Delhi government’s Women and Child Development department has asked all its branches to make sure that female employees are not made to stay in the office outside of normal working hours. The department did allow for exceptional cases but noted that the women’s safety and dignity should be protected first.
The department has also mandated in an advisory that if any woman is asked to work late, the employers must make sure to drop them home safely. The advisory also highlighted that any late sitting requires clear safeguards, structured responsibility and strict oversight.
“… it is hereby directed that no woman employee shall be required or expected to remain in office beyond normal working hours unless absolutely unavoidable,” the advisory stated. It added that in such cases, the concerned branch head or reporting officer would be “personally responsible” for ensuring her safe return.
The branch heads were also asked to assess in advance whether late work is essential. This is meant to ensure women employees are not asked to stay back for routine or non-time-sensitive tasks that can be taken up the next working day.
The advisory also reminded all officers and branch heads to “maintain a humane, gender-sensitive and responsible managerial approach, keeping foremost the safety and dignity of women employees”.
“This advisory is expected to be complied with in letter and spirit, ensuring that the safety of women employees remains a non-negotiable for all,” it read.
