The West Bengal Assembly has passed a Bill lifting a 116-year-old ban on employing women in bars, a restriction originally imposed by the British under the Bengal Excise Act of 1909. The move, spearheaded by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, marks a significant step toward gender equality in the state’s hospitality sector.
Chandrima Bhattacharya, Minister of State for Finance (Independent Charge), presented the West Bengal Finance Bill 2025 in the legislative assembly on Wednesday, stating, “Women couldn’t work at on-shops until now. They will get this opportunity. We all talk about gender equality. That’s what we kept in mind while taking this decision.”
The amendment to the Bengal Excise Act removes the prohibition on employing women in ON-category liquor shops, a provision long considered discriminatory. The Bill was passed without opposition, as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators boycotted the ongoing budget session over various political issues.
Additional Provisions in the Bill
The Bill also includes measures to monitor the trading of raw materials used in the liquor industry to prevent illegal brewing. Additionally, amendments to the Agricultural Income-tax Act, 1944, have been proposed to provide tax relief to the tea industry.
Mixed Reactions to the Decision
The government’s decision has drawn mixed reactions. Some industry professionals welcomed the move, citing an improvement in customer experience. A manager at a Kolkata hotel bar stated, “Many of our guests are women. They will feel comfortable. However, there are many bars along highways where most customers are male. We hope this won’t lead to unpleasant incidents.”
However, concerns over women’s safety have been raised by activists and opposition leaders. Women’s rights activist Saswati Ghosh criticized the decision, stating, “Gender inequality is prevalent in many sectors, especially unorganized industries. The state could have focused on those instead. We hope bar owners will not exploit female employees to increase footfall.”
BJP leader Shankar Ghosh questioned the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of women in bars, particularly during late-night shifts. Similarly, CPI(M) central committee member Sujan Chakraborty linked the decision to recent crimes against women, referring to the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. “The TMC government spoke of ensuring workplace safety for women after such crimes, but now it is moving in the opposite direction,” he said.
Awaiting Governor’s Clearance
The legislation will come into effect once the governor approves the Bill. As the debate continues, the government faces the challenge of implementing necessary safeguards to protect women entering this sector while maintaining the state’s commitment to gender equality.
Sources By Agencies