Erratic hours, cellphone updates to family and lone driving on deserted roads are things today's working women can't seem to avoid, especially if they're BPO, ITES, media, security or service industry professionals.

After the mysterious murder of journalist Soumya Viswanathan, the concern for this section of the society is at its peak, with the CM receiving flak for a somewhat offensive statement she made on the case.

Her corrective measure has manifested itself into a letter of appeal that was splashed across leading dailies yesterday. This aims to bring into action a law that was first stirred in the late Nineties with the coming of call centres, but could not prevent wee hour crime against women. We tell you what it could now mean for young ladies and organisations.

What this means for
Employers: 
>> Stricter operational standards
>> Social responsibility
>> Extra costs to fund additional transport
>> Increased employee demands

Women
>> Improved security
>> Probable transport deductions from salary
>> Fewer jobs, in case firms reduce female staff intake to cut costs

What the CM's letter says
Appeal to employers
Section 14 of the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954 prohibits employment of vulnerable groups such as women and young persons between 9 pm to 7 am during summer season and 8 pm to 8 am during winter season.
Any shop or commercial establishment wishing to employ women during hours prohibited under section 14, can make and application to the Secretary (Labour), Government of NCT of Delhi, Room No. 504 "A" Wing of Delhi Secretariat, IP Estate, New Delhi - 110002.
My Government remains committed to ensuring safe transit from home to workplace and vice versa for vulnerable groups. Exemption shall be considered subject to condition that the applicant shop or commercial establishment proposing to employ vulnerable group of workers during prohibited hours shall be required to provide door to door pick-up and drop facility. Their work places should also be secure and safe for them.
If you wish to employ the above category of workers please approach the Secretary (Labour) to seek exemption. My government shall ensure requisite exemption is granted at the earliest subject to the safety and security of the women.
It is now your turn to ensure that vulnerable workers are safe not only at the workplace but also during transit.
Ambiguities
>> The term 'young persons' remains unexplained till what age do employees come in the 'vulnerable group'?
>> 'Their workplaces should also be secure and safe for them' the parameters for this have not been outlined in detail.
>> Is there any deadline for filing an application for exemption? Without a definite last date, companies would not take the law seriously.
>> What is the penalty if one fails to meet the conditions/ file for exemption? Is a defaulting firm at risk of a heavy fine or license cancellation?
>> Where/to whom can employees complain if their organisation flouts the law?

Other questions...
>> The law provision grants exemptions to air services companies, cloak room attendants, girl telephone operators, ayaas, lady house keepers and artists in cabaret and entertainment shows except children in hotels, theatres and other places of public amusement. What about them?
>> Section 66 of the Factories Act, 1948, imposes further restrictions on employment of women. Clause (b) of the section says, "no woman shall be required or allowed to work in any factory except between 6 am and 7 pm." Does this law need amendments in the present day context?

People's verdict

"First, she says Soumya was "adventurous", and now she comes up with this to undo her image. It's a good thing to say take care, but how many employers will abide by this? They'll say 'we might as well not have women!' This is a poor substitute for not wanting to create better public protection measures"
- Dr Ranjana Kumari, women's rights activist

"I think the government has finally woken up. The move is a welcome relief. Even though I haven't faced this problem since my employer provides cabs, it will definitely guarantee safety for others. Night shifts cannot be banned altogether as they are inevitable"
- Anubhooti Sharma, IT pro, Gurgaon

"The law has existed since long, but the problem lies in inaction. The measure won't prove effective till people who're concerned with the implementation aren't sensitised. For instance, take child labour. There are tens of thousands of victims, but just 15-16 raids. Legal action needs to get stricter"
- Ashok Arora, senior High Court lawyer