India, Nov. 17 -- Women across Maharashtra will now be able work in night shifts in all commercial establishments such as shops, hotels, restaurants and movie theaters. Employers will have to make adequate arrangements to ensure women's safety and seek their consent before deploying them on night shifts, according to the draft notification issued by the state labour department on November 12.

The labour department has invited suggestions and objections from citizens within 45 days, following which a final notification will be issued, officials aware of the matter told Hindustan Times.

The development comes around six weeks after the labour department on October 3 allowed factories in the state to deploy women on night shifts by amending...