The Hindu Business Line : Haryana not to allow some BPOs to hire women on night shifts

A few ITES companies operating from Haryana will not be allowed to deploy women on the night shift, as the firms have not fulfilled `certain legal provisions and procedures' required for an exemption to a clause that prohibits women from working on night shifts.

The companies impacted by this decision include Saffron Global and Convergys. However, the State Government clarified that all BPO companies could seek exemption from the clause if they wanted women to work on late shifts.

"Section 30 of Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishment Act of 1958 states that women are not permitted to work in night shifts. However, Section 28 provides for an exemption to Section 30 so long as conditions relating to women's safety, security and transportation are met. "Convergys and Saffron Global were not granted an exemption, as they did not fulfil the legal provisions and procedures," sources at the Haryana Labour Commissioner's office said.

The Government, in an official statement, added that it had been granting exemption to companies "liberally" when prescribed conditions had been fulfilled. It pointed out that 23 companies, including 17 call centres, have been granted exemption since March 31, 2005. However, it made it clear that exemption was granted on a case-to-case basis and for one year at a time.

It clarified that the rejection did not extend to the whole sector and any company whose request had been rejected for certain reasons could still get this exemption by fulfilling the requisite conditions laid down by the Government under the law.

`Nasscom working with State': Reacting to the development, the National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) said in a statement that it "was engaged with the State Government to comprehensively reform the labour laws to focus on not only ensuring the best working conditions for all employees, but also to address the burning issue of accelerating the rate of new job creation."

While Nasscom chose not to comment on the specific companies that were served notices, it reiterated that its members were the most responsible employers of women in the country.

"This industry employs around 40,000 women in Haryana alone, many of whom are from small towns and cities. We believe our companies pay the best salaries to these women, provide a world-class working environment and superior training, and adhere to all provisions of the law such as providing adequate security and ensuring transportation to and from the work place," it added.

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