Concerns over women’s safety underpin the Bharatiya Janata Party’s strong opposition to the newly passed Factory Amendment Bill, allowing night shifts for women workers in Jharkhand.
JAMSHEDPUR – The BJP has called for an immediate review of the recently approved Factory Amendment Bill.
The party believes that the Bill, which permits women to work night shifts from 7 PM to 6 AM, was passed without proper consideration of the prevailing local conditions and could lead to undesirable consequences.
According to Kunal Sarangi, a BJP spokesperson, the government’s decision lacks sensitivity, especially considering that Jharkhand has the highest rate of crimes against women in the country.
He questioned the morality of changing the Factory Law to allow night shifts for women, given the increasing instances of violence against them.
Further emphasizing the party’s concern, Sarangi posed a direct question to the state administration. "How do you intend to curb the heinous acts of violence against women?" he asked. "Is it reasonable to implement this change without enhancing the state’s law and order situation?"
The BJP has labeled the passing of the bill in the Legislative Assembly as "improper and careless," particularly as it was approved by a voice vote following the departure of BJP lawmakers.
The party’s core contention is that the clause was introduced under the guise of ‘right to equality’ without due consideration of the existing local conditions.
