NEW DELHI: After facing flak from all quarters for her "adventurous" remark on the murder of TV journalist Soumya Viswanathan, Sheila Dikshit is now in damage-control mode.
The Delhi chief minister has exhorted companies in the national capital to provide a pick-up and drop facility to employees working night shifts in accordance with the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act of 1954.
In a half-page advertisement in newspapers, Dikshit appealed to employers to "ensure that vulnerable workers are safe not only at the workplace but also in transit".
Citing provisions of the aforesaid Act, she said employing vulnerable groups such as women between 9 pm and 7 am in summer and 8 pm and 8 am rest of the year was prohibited.
However, establishments that require these "vulnerable groups" to work beyond these hours could be exempted by the labour department if employers agree to a "provide door-to-door pick-up and drop facility".
Reiterating her commitment to ensuring safe transit from home to the workplace and back for vulnerable groups, the chief minister said, "Employers can approach the labour secretary for exemptions. My government shall ensure that the requisite exemption is granted at the earliest, subject to safety and security of women."
Dikshit was heavily criticised by political parties, the media and womens rights activists after she said on the murder of Viswanathan of Headlines Today that "one should not be adventurous" by traveling alone at night.
Viswanathan was shot dead a fortnight ago while driving back home at about 3.30 am.
