The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi has announced a series of labour reforms aimed at improving working conditions, strengthening social security and expanding employment opportunities for workers and small traders in the capital.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Delhi Government is committed to ensuring dignified working conditions and greater economic opportunities for the workforce. She stated that labour reforms are being designed with a focus on workers’ welfare, ease of doing business and ease of living.

As part of measures to increase women’s participation in the workforce, the government has permitted women to work night shifts in Delhi. The decision is subject to mandatory conditions for employers, including ensuring workplace safety, transportation facilities and other essential arrangements. The move is expected to widen employment opportunities and support women’s economic independence.

The Chief Minister said workers form the backbone of the economy and protecting their interests is a key responsibility of the government.

She further said that recent policy decisions are intended to provide relief to workers, generate employment and help small traders operate with fewer procedural hurdles.

To boost economic activity and job creation, the government has allowed shops and establishments in Delhi to operate on a 24x7 basis, excluding liquor shops. The measure is expected to support commercial growth, create new employment opportunities and further increase women’s participation in the workforce. In addition, processes related to registration and renewal for small traders have been simplified to reduce paperwork and compliance burdens.

The Chief Minister also said that labour laws are being streamlined through the implementation of Labour Code provisions, with an emphasis on social security and ease of compliance. Under the revised framework, women are permitted to work night shifts between 9.00 pm and 7.00 am during summer, and between 8.00 pm and 8.00 am during winter. While restrictions on shop and establishment timings have been relaxed, employers are required to ensure adequate security, transport and other necessary facilities for women employees.

She noted that these steps are aligned with national initiatives focused on labour welfare, dignity of labour and social security. According to the Chief Minister, balanced development requires both ease of doing business and ease of living, so that workers feel secure and included in the city’s growth.

Reiterating the government’s commitment, she said the Delhi Government will continue to take steps to promote workers’ welfare, social security and employment generation, with the aim of ensuring that the benefits of development reach all sections of society.