“Equal Pay for Equal Work” Made Mandatory for Women in Night Shifts Under New Indian Rules

A groundbreaking change in the sphere of India employment has been complete with the new Labour Codes that have become operational since the end of 2025. The laws clearly stipulate that women should receive an equal pay to an equal work as they put in eliminating the wage disparities, which had single-handedly dominated the workforce. The prohibition of night shifts to women has been changed by a regulation system on this matter under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code. The employers are now allowed to forge on women (between 7 PM and 6 AM) only under their written approval and with strict safety measures. This legislative reform is meant to increase the number of women in the workforce and also to guarantee them their financial and physical safety.

Enforcing Gender Pay Parity Rules

The new system does not give any ambiguity when it comes to compensation. Gender pay parity rules are now strictly enforced under the Code on Wages, compelling employers to pay female employees the same rates as their male counterparts for work of a similar nature. This is applicable in all the shifts including the newly opened night shifts. The legislation explains that discrimination is not allowed during recruitment or terms of service and women in non-traditional working hours do not lose their financial gains even when employers are compelled to provide extra services to the organization.

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Prioritizing Women Night Shift Safety

While the rules open up 24/7 operations to women, they impose heavy liabilities on companies to ensure women night shift safety. The work places shall offer secure methods of transporting the employees to their doors, proper security in terms of the mode used, and strong redressal of grievances. Infrastructure, including adequately lit working environments and separate toilets, as well as a creche, have become mandatory in night shifts. Any non-compliance with such safety standards does not just attract severe punishments but may also result in the establishment being banned to continue operating in the night.

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