Mumbai, March 10 The Maharashtra government announced a flexible office time initiative for women state employees working in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to help them avoid rush hour travel on crowded suburban trains.
Earlier in the day, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said in the Legislative Council that the initiative, "Come Early, Go Early", would cover women state government employees working within the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
According to a government resolution (GR) issued later, flexible office timings would be permitted for women state government officers and employees working in the MMR, which covers districts located adjacent to Mumbai, to help them avoid rush-hour travel on suburban trains.
Women employees can report to office between 9:15 am and 9:45 am and will be permitted to leave early in the evening by the same duration, subject to a maximum of 30 minutes, as stated in the order.
This facility has been introduced considering the heavy rush faced by commuters during peak hours on suburban railway services in Mumbai.
The government said that women employees using this facility must ensure that official work is not affected. It clarified that in cases involving important assignments such as legislative work, court matters, or urgent office duties, the concerned employees may be required to stay beyond the flexible timing depending on administrative needs.
Directions issued by senior officers or heads of offices regarding specific work will be binding, the GR emphasised.
Speaking in the Upper House of the state legislature, Deputy Chief Minister Pawar said, "This decision (of flexible office timings) would provide major relief to women by easing the inconvenience they face due to rush hour crowds."
She was participating in a special discussion in the legislative council to mark International Women's Day.
Reiterating the state government's commitment to the holistic development of women, Pawar urged members to strengthen the resolve to build a society that ensures proper respect, opportunities, and security for women.
The deputy chief minister noted that 42,594 children were traced through 14 campaigns conducted under 'Operation Muskan' between July 2015 and February 2026, while 'Operation Shodh' helped trace 5,066 women and 2,771 children.
The missing persons cells were functional in all districts, while 51 Bharosa cells had been activated to address women's issues, she said.
Technology was being increasingly used for women's safety, and systems to prevent cybercrime had been set up at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Churchgate, and Borivali railway stations, the deputy chief minister said.
Highlighting economic empowerment initiatives for women, the deputy chief minister cited schemes such as Ladki Bahin, Namo Mahila Sakshamikaran, Lek Ladki, Annapurna, and Lakhpati Didi.
She said platforms such as Umed Mall, Umed Mart, and Mahalakshmi Saras had been launched to provide markets for products made by self-help groups, which are now also available on online platforms.
Pawar stated that the government was positive about improving honorarium and infrastructure for anganwadi workers and helpers, noting that drinking water facilities had been provided to 17,254 anganwadi centres.
She also noted that the state had sanctioned 180 days of maternity leave for government employees and allowed up to one year of half-pay leave after maternity leave without the need for a medical certificate.
The Maharashtra government's 4th Women's Policy had been implemented and a high-level committee set up for its effective execution, she said.
The 'Adishakti Abhiyan' was also being implemented to ensure a safer and more dignified life for rural women, prevent child marriage, create atrocity-free villages, and reduce school dropout rates among girls, Pawar said.
The state government has emphasised health, education, skill development, strengthening self-help groups, special measures for women farmers and labourers, and strict enforcement of laws for women's safety, she said.