Question : SECURITY OF WOMEN WORKING IN NIGHT SHIFTS

(a) whether as per survey conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry,Delhi is an unsafe place for women working in night shifts as reported in the Hindustan Times dated 10 October,2008;

(b) if so,the details thereof;

(c) the steps taken by the Government to ensure safety of women working in night shifts;

(d) whether any instructions have been given to the employers to provide security to working women in night shifts;

(e) if so,the details thereof;and

(f) if not,reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS(SHRIMATI RADHIKA V. SELVI)

(a) to (f): A news-item reported in a newspaper mentions that in a survey by ASSOCHAM,65% of the women interviewed in Delhi said that they felt insecure working in night shifts.The following steps have been taken by Delhi Police to ensure safety of women working in night shifts:

(i) A districts/Units have been sensitized about the night-patrolling, particularly in the areas in the proximity of call centres, malls and other offices, where women are working in night shifts.

(ii) Special checks are conducted near and around offices where women are working in night shifts.

(iii) PCR vans located in the area conduct regular patrolling in the places having potential threat.

(iv) Delhi Police issued a circular on 23.3.2006 regarding safety and security of women employees of call centres/BPOs to all districts/Units and the local police have also been directed to brief call centres/BPO employees accordingly.