Delhi government issued new guidelines for spas, massage centers

The Delhi government on Monday issued fresh guidelines for the operation of spas and massage centers in the city, taking stringent measures to ensure prevention of sexual exploitation and trafficking and to ensure the safety of patrons as well as employees. The new guidelines strictly prohibit any type of cross-gender massage on campus, keeping in mind the protection of children from sexual offences, prevention of sexual harassment and trafficking among others.

The guidelines have been made keeping in mind the safety of the consumers as well as the employees on the premises.
A Delhi government statement said, the centers will have to ensure utmost security inside their premises such as the provision of self-closing doors and restrictions on latches and bolts inside the doors of massage center rooms, while the exterior doors open during working hours. live. The centers will also require separate toilets and separate changing rooms along with bathrooms for men and women.

In addition, spas and massage centers will only be allowed to allow people over the age of 18 to have a certificate in physiotherapy, acupressure or occupational therapy. They will also be required to obtain police clearance for all employees and conduct police verification of the premises.

A task force was constituted by the Delhi government to investigate. The suggestions of the Delhi Commission for Women were further incorporated in the guidelines.

Under the new guidelines, engaging in sexual activity of any kind on the premises of a spa or massage center is strictly prohibited, cross-gender massage will not be permitted and male masseuses for men’s massages and women’s massages. There will be a provision for women’s massage. The men’s and women’s spa centers will be in different sections of the campus and will be clearly demarcated with separate entrances and no inter-connection.
Spas or massage centers can be open only between 9 am and 9 pm. Mandatory provision will be ensured for production of ID cards of all customers and a register will contain their contact details including phone numbers and ID proofs.
Further, the premises shall not be used for residential purposes nor shall it communicate with any residential part of the premises, if any.

The details of all employees including housekeeping staff shall be kept in a register and all employees shall wear an ID card issued by the employer and displayed while working.
The Spa/Massage Center shall not violate any applicable laws, specifically the Immoral Trade (Prevention) Act and shall comply with all applicable laws, rules and guidelines.

Name, license number, details of license, working hours of each center shall be displayed in the premises or building in a clearly visible manner from outside, CCTV cameras with recording facilities installed at the entrance, reception and common areas of the centre. must be made, and recordings must be kept for at least three months.

Under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Work place, an Internal Complaints Committee will be constituted in a center where more than 10 employees are working. The existence of such committee should be displayed at a prominent place and its report should be sent to the concerned authorities.