New Delhi: Giving his approval on Thursday to Delhi govt’s proposal to allow women to work 24×7 at the city’s retail establishments, lieutenant governor VK Saxena suggested that all such outlets must constitute internal complaints committees as per the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act for the redressal of any complaints of that nature.LG also urged the govt to strengthen public transport during the late-night hours, while asking the excise department to “harmonise” the timings of bars and restaurants as per the timings of other establishments covered under the Shops and Establishment Act, 1954.Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday had approved the proposal to allow women to work night shifts (24×7) in shops and commercial establishments, a move aimed at empowering women and promoting greater workforce participation in the capital. The proposal was moved by the labour department of the Delhi govt following a discussion between the LG and the CM earlier this year.The move involves amending provisions of the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954 — specifically Sections 14, 15, and 16 — which currently restrict women from working between 9 pm and 7 am in summers, and between 8 pm and 8 am in winters. The labour department will now issue a formal notification.While giving his nod to the proposal, LG said that the govt’s initiative as part of ease of doing business was a “commendable step”, which will ensure the opening of the economy 24×7 as is practised around the world. He mentioned in that file that the relaxation of restrictions on night shift employment of women would also boost women empowerment by generating more employment opportunities for them, and such a step will also pave the way for greater participation of the women workforce. “I would further suggest that public transport facilities be made more robust during the night…. great caution and care are required to ensure the safety of women workforce, especially during the night shifts. Mandatory conditions such as the installation of CCTVs and the constitution of an Internal Complaints Committee in accordance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal Act, 2013, need to be enforced,” LG observed.“The labour department may initiate a stakeholder consultation to create greater awareness amongst traders, shopkeepers, and owners of establishments,” he added.While liquor shops will not be granted the exemption under the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954, and their existing timings – from 10 am to 10 pm will continue – LG said, “the excise department may also harmonise the timings of the restaurants and related establishments in line with the timings of other shops and establishments.”