Delhi Government Prioritises Workers’ Welfare; Employment and Safety at the Core of Labour Reforms: CM Smt. Rekha Gupta

Labour Reforms Aim to Balance Ease of Doing Business with Ease of Living

Mandatory Safety Measures Introduced Along with Permission for Women to Work Night Shifts

Simplified Processes Provide Major Relief to Small Traders

New Delhi, December 2025 : The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi has taken several significant and effective steps in the direction of labour reforms, placing the interests of workers and small traders at the forefront. Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta stated that the Delhi Government has a clear resolve to ensure dignified working conditions, social security and improved employment opportunities for workers in the capital.

Highlighting efforts to increase women’s participation in the workforce, the Chief Minister informed that women have been permitted to work night shifts in the capital. She emphasised that this permission has been accompanied by mandatory provisions requiring employers to ensure safety, transportation and other essential facilities at the workplace. These measures are expected to expand employment opportunities while strengthening women’s economic participation and self-reliance.

In a statement, the Chief Minister said that the Delhi Government stands with workers, describing them as the backbone of the economy. She stated that protecting their interests is both a governmental responsibility and a moral obligation. She added that the Government is taking decisions that provide relief to workers, generate employment and enable small traders to operate with greater ease.

The Chief Minister further informed that, with the aim of boosting economic activity and employment, shops and establishments in Delhi have been permitted to operate on a 24×7 basis, excluding liquor shops. This step is expected to encourage commercial growth, create new job opportunities and increase women’s participation in the workforce. In addition, the registration and renewal processes for small traders have been simplified to eliminate unnecessary procedural and paperwork-related hurdles.

She also stated that labour laws have been streamlined through the effective implementation of Labour Code provisions, with a focus on social security for workers alongside Ease of Doing Business. 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 shops and establishments have been relaxed, employers have been mandated to prioritise women’s safety by providing adequate security, transport and other necessary facilities.

The Chief Minister noted that these decisions draw inspiration from the initiatives undertaken by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji to empower workers and the labouring class across the country. She stated that the Prime Minister has consistently underlined the dignity of labour, social security and the vital role of workers in building an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Guided by these principles, the Delhi Government continues to take decisions in the interest of workers.

According to the Chief Minister, the Government believes that along with Ease of Doing Business, ensuring Ease of Living is equally essential, so that workers truly feel a sense of belonging as “Dilliwalas”. She reiterated that worker-friendly policies will not only accelerate industrial and commercial activity but also strengthen inclusive and balanced development in the capital. The Chief Minister affirmed that the Delhi Government will continue to take all possible steps for workers’ welfare, social security and employment generation, ensuring that the benefits of development reach every section of society.