ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS REGULATING EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN IN A FACTORY :

We have discussed the provisions relating  to working hours of adult workers, both male and female. However, certain additional restrictions have been found necessary on the working hours of female workers. Section 66 makes following provisions in this respect.

(1) No exemption may be granted to female worker, from the provisions of Section 54 relating to daily hours of work.

(2) Women workers shall not be employed except between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. However, the State Government may by a notification in the Official Gazette, vary these limits to the extent that no woman shall be employed between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

(3) There shall be no change of shifts except after a weekly holiday or any other holiday.

Exemptions from the above restriction

The State Government has been empowered to make rules granting exemptions from above stated restriction in respect of women working in fish-curing or fish canning factories. This has been done with a view to prevent damage to or deterioration in any raw material. However, before granting any exemption, the State Government may lay down any condition as it thinks necessary. Such rules made by the State Government shall remain in force for not more than three years at a time. [Section 66(3)]