The Labour, Employment & Skill Development Department of Meghalaya issued a corrigendum and notification. The corrigendum, dated 10th January, 2024, revises a previous notification regarding female employees’ working hours and safety arrangements. The revised notification emphasizes that female employees may work after 7.00 P.M. with their written consent, provided adequate safety and security arrangements are made, and they safely reach home after work. This replaces the previous restriction on female employees working after 7.00 P.M. The notification also outlines the distribution of this information to various government officials for compliance and necessary action.
The accompanying notification, dated 19th July, 2023, provides exemptions and conditions for establishments under the Meghalaya Shops and Establishment Act, 2003. It permits registered establishments in Meghalaya to operate all 365 days of the year until 31st December, 2023, subject to certain conditions. These conditions include granting employees one day off per week without wage deductions, ensuring rest periods and limited working hours for employees, and making adequate safety and security arrangements for employees and visitors if the establishment remains open after 10.00 P.M. Additionally, it mandates the provision of separate facilities for female employees, including locker rooms and restrooms, and the formation of Internal Complaint Committees against sexual harassment.
Furthermore, the notification requires compliance with the Prevention of Child and Adolescent Labour Act, 1986, and the implementation of relevant labour laws. It also specifies the maximum spread over for employees, the crediting of wages to employees’ savings accounts, and the provision of national and festival holidays with wages. The notification emphasizes that all provisions of the Act and other relevant laws are applicable to the establishment and outlines the consequences of violating the terms and conditions, including cancellation of the exemption after due opportunity for hearing.
The corrigendum and notification shall be effective with immediate effect until further orders and the distribution of this information to government officials for compliance and publication.
