Regressive Move : On Minimising night duty of women

Following the recent tragic case of rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata, the West Bengal government has proposed addressing the issue by reducing women’s working hours at night. This decision has been criticized as regressive and is likely to result in fewer women in the workforce instead of effectively ensuring their safety. Other proposed measures include separate restrooms and toilets for women, establishing safe zones with CCTV, and introducing a special mobile phone app. These measures are seen as necessary but should have already been in place. The main question raised is whether the reduction of working hours is truly an effective way to ensure a safe environment for women in the West Bengal government.