Topic: New Labour Codes & Women’s Safety.
Status: Implemented with Guidelines
Key Update: Night Shifts Allowed for Women (With Consent).
New Delhi: To debunk the widespread myths regarding the safety of women employees under the new Labour Codes, the Ministry of Labour & Employment has issued a detailed clarification. The new Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (OSH) mandates strict safety protocols for women working night shifts (7 PM to 6 AM). Additionally, the government released the “Universal Social Protection Plan” on February 12, 2026, expanding social security coverage to 64.3% of the workforce.
Employer Liability: It is now mandatory for employers to provide free annual health check-ups for employees above a certain age and issue formal appointment letters to ensure transparency.
1. Myth vs. Reality: Women’s Safety Rules
Social media rumors claim that the new codes ignore women’s safety. The PIB Fact Check explicitly refutes this with the following provisions:
| Provision | New Rule (2026) |
|---|---|
| Night Shifts | Allowed ONLY with written consent. Mandatory safe transport and security. |
| Safety Measures | Proper lighting, group deployment, and female supervisors are compulsory for night rosters. |
| Facilities | Separate washrooms, changing rooms, and rest areas must be provided. |
| Hazardous Work | Women cannot be assigned dangerous/mining operations without full protective systems. |
2. Universal Social Protection Update (Feb 12, 2026)
In a significant move today, the Ministry announced the expansion of social security benefits. This is directly linked to the upcoming salary revisions under the 8th Pay Commission.
📊 Key Statistics (ILO Data):
- Coverage Increase: Social Security coverage in India jumped from 19% (2015) to 64.3% (2025).
- Gig Workers: First-time inclusion of Gig & Platform workers for life/disability cover and maternity benefits.
- e-Shram Portal: Integration of all welfare schemes into a “One-Stop-Solution” for unorganized workers.
3. Impact on Salary & Leaves (8th CPC Link)
The Labour Codes also standardize the definition of “Wages,” which will influence the 8th Pay Commission calculations.
- Earned Leave (EL): The eligibility threshold is reduced from 240 days to 180 days of work.
- Overtime Pay: Double the wage rate for any work beyond 8 hours/day or 48 hours/week.
- Maternity Benefit: 26 weeks of paid leave remains mandatory, with protection against dismissal during this period.
हिंदी सारांश: श्रम सुधार और महिला सुरक्षा 2026
नई गाइडलाइन्स: नए लेबर कोड के तहत महिलाएं अब नाइट शिफ्ट (शाम 7 से सुबह 6) में काम कर सकती हैं, लेकिन इसके लिए उनकी लिखित सहमति और कंपनी द्वारा सुरक्षा/ट्रांसपोर्ट अनिवार्य है।
सोशल सिक्योरिटी: 12 फरवरी 2026 को जारी रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, अब गिग वर्कर्स (Gig Workers) को भी मैटरनिटी और पेंशन का लाभ मिलेगा।
सैलरी पर असर: ओवरटाइम का पैसा अब डबल मिलेगा और 180 दिन काम करने पर ही आप Earned Leave (EL) के हकदार होंगे।
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