Women display sarees to customers at a textile shop. Representational image New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday issued notice to the Kerala government over the poor working conditions of female workers at textile retail shops in the state.
NHRC, which took cognisance of the matter following a complaint, said women workers in textile retail sector in Kerala are not allowed to sit and even go to toilet during their 10-hour shift.
The Commission has also learned that many textile shops have not even set up toilets for the workers.
"Even at the shops, where toilets have been provided, permission is required from the manager to use it during working hours. The prolonged standing has resulted in the medical problem of Varicose Veins for many of them," said a statement from the Commission.
Issuing a notice to the state government, the Commission sought necessary steps to protect the human rights of these female workers.
In the past, there have been strikes by women workers over their grievances.
In 2014, the Kerala government had passed an ordinance amending the Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, 1960. But it did not take any action to protect the interests of workers in unorganized sector.
The amended Act did not make any difference to the working conditions of female workers in the textile retail shops.
(With agency inputs)
