NHRC concerned about 'pathetic' work conditions of women

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Kerala Government over the "pathetic" conditions of women workers in textile retail shops.

The action came after NHRC received a complaint that alleged that women workers were not allowed to sit or go to the toilet during shifts that can be more than ten hours.

The Commission has given the relevant state authorities two weeks to respond, the NHRC said in a statement.

"The allegations raised a serious issue of violation of Right to Health and Right to Dignity of the female workers in the textile retail shops. The government is bound to take necessary steps to protect the human rights of these female workers," the Commission noted.

"According to the complaint, many textile shops have not even set up toilets for the workers in the work space in Kerala. Even at the shops, where toilets have been provided, permission is required from the manager to use it during working hours.

"Allegedly, there have been strikes by women workers against the continuous ignorance of the Authorities towards their issues.

"In the year 2014, the Government of Kerala did pass an Ordinance amending the Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, 1960 but while doing so, it did not take any action to protect the interests of a large group of unorganized sectors workers. The amended Act did not make any difference to the working conditions of female workers in the textile retail shops."

Date: 1 July 2016

Source: National Human Rights Commission of India