Protest against ban on women working after 2000 hrs

Bangalore, May 9 (UNI) Karnataka State Women's Commission Chairperson Pramila Nesargi today demanded scrapping of the government's move to ban women from working beyond 2000 hrs in the State.

Terming the move as anti-democratic, against the constitutional right women enjoyed, Ms Nesargi said "the government's move was nothing but curtailing the rights enjoyed by Women under the Constitution.

She was speaking at an interactive meeting on 'Night Shifts for Women' organised by Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) here.

Calling for an united fight against discrimination, Ms Nesargi said that it was the obligation on the part of the government to provide suitable security to all and the right of women cannot be taken away in the name of security. "Even National Commission for Women has stated that Women can work in all the three shifts." "It is shocking to note that the government has already passed the amendment to The Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Act 2007 and even the Governor has given his assent to the amendment. Only a notification has to be issued by the Secretary to implement the act", she added.

Ms Nesargi said that though it was statutory obligation on the part of the government to consult the State Women Commission before taking any decision concerning women, the Commission was not consulted before making amendment to the Act or the move was informed to the Commission.

FKCCI President R C Purohit strongly condemning the move of the State government, said that even under the Factory Act there is no such restriction and the ban may be first of its kind in the Country.

He said that FKCCI would lead a delegation and meet Minister for Labour Iqbal Ansari and demand for scrapping the gazette notification of the amendment.

Speakers, including representatives from various women organisations, entrepreneurs strongly condemned the state government's move and expressed their support for an united fight against the government on this issue for scrapping the amendment.

UNI