NewsFlash Daily™
11 March 
New flexible timing scheme allows women staff to report early and leave sooner, aiming to ease commuting stress and improve work-life balance
Mumbai: The Government of Maharashtra has introduced a new initiative titled “Come Early–Go Early” aimed at improving the work-life balance of women government employees working in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The announcement was made in the state legislative council during discussions on women’s empowerment by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar.
The scheme allows women government employees to arrive at their offices earlier and leave correspondingly earlier, offering them approximately 30 minutes of flexibility in their daily work schedule. Officials say the move is designed to reduce travel stress, improve safety, and help women manage professional and family responsibilities more effectively.
Flexible Timings to Reduce Commute Pressure
Authorities noted that the decision was taken after considering the heavy congestion in Mumbai’s transport network, including overcrowding in suburban trains and road traffic.
Under the Come Early–Go Early initiative, women employees will be allowed to report to work between 9:15 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., enabling them to finish their workday earlier than usual and return home sooner.
Government officials believe that this small but significant change in office timing will ease commuting difficulties for thousands of women employees working in the region.
“The government is committed to ensuring the safety and empowerment of women. The Come Early–Go Early initiative is intended to reduce travel stress and help women balance work and family responsibilities,” Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar told.
Focus on Women’s Safety and Welfare
During the discussion, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted several measures undertaken by the state to strengthen women’s safety and welfare mechanisms.
According to official data presented in the council, Operation Muskan has played a significant role in tracing missing children. Between July 2015 and February 2026, authorities conducted 14 phases of the operation, successfully tracing 42,594 children.
Additionally, under Operation Search, authorities reunited 5,066 women and 2,771 children with their families. Officials also confirmed that missing persons cells are now active across all districts in Maharashtra.
The state currently operates 51 Bharosa cells, specialized units that address complaints related to violence and harassment against women.
Multiple Schemes for Women Empowerment
The state government has also implemented several programs aimed at economic empowerment and social development of women.
These include welfare initiatives such as Ladki Bahen Yojana, Namo Mahila Saksharta Yojana, and Annapurna Yojana, which are designed to support women financially and promote education and self-reliance.
To help self-help groups expand their market reach, the government has launched Umaid Mall along with online platforms that allow women entrepreneurs to sell their products in national and international markets.
Infrastructure and Welfare Initiatives
Authorities also reported improvements in infrastructure and welfare programs aimed at supporting women and children.
Across the state, 17,254 Anganwadi centres have been provided with drinking water facilities, improving basic amenities in childcare centres.
To enhance safety in public spaces, modern cyber security and surveillance systems have been installed at major railway stations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Churchgate Railway Station, and Borivali Railway Station.
Officials say these systems aim to prevent cybercrime and improve security for women commuters.
Enhanced Leave Policies and Social Initiatives
The government has also strengthened employment benefits for women employees. Female government staff are entitled to 180 days of maternity leave, and they may also avail up to one year of half-pay leave without a medical certificate if necessary.
In rural areas, authorities are implementing the Adi Shakti Abhiyan, a campaign designed to prevent child marriage and reduce school dropout rates among girls.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar emphasised that the state government is focusing on healthcare, education, skill development, strengthening self-help groups, and welfare measures for women farmers and workers.
She added that the government is also working toward creating stronger legal frameworks and ensuring strict enforcement of laws to guarantee women’s safety across the state.
