The government on Tuesday decided to amend the Factories Act, 1948, to allow women to work in late night shifts.

"The Cabinet today decided to amend the Factories Act, 1948, so that women can also work between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.," Information and Broadcasting Minister Jaipal Reddy told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

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The amendment would greatly benefit women working in Special Economic Zones and the information technology sector.

Reddy said flexible work timings for women shall be allowed 'provided adequate safeguards in the factory as regards occupational safety and health, equal opportunity for women workers, adequate protection of their dignity, honour and safety and their transportation from the factory premises to the nearest point of their residence' are made.

State governments have been authorised to 'allow employment of women workers between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. in such factory or group or class or description of factories subject to such conditions as may be specified therein."

The amendment of the Factories Act will provide flexibility in the matter of employment of women during night hours, he added.

Reddy said the Act would be amended following representations made by women organisations as also upholding of the provisions by courts at various levels.