India, Nov. 13 -- The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday extended the scope for women to work in night shifts between 7 pm and 6 am, provided they give their consent which must be registered with the state labour department.

"In a decision aimed at empowering working women, the Uttar Pradesh government has allowed women employees to undertake night shifts with their written consent, while mandating strict safety and welfare measures at every level - from home to workplace," said a statement issued by the chief minister's PR team on Wednesday.

"Employers have been directed to ensure transportation, health facilities, CCTV surveillance, and deployment of security personnel for women working during night hours," the statement said.

The...