‘Come Early–Go Early’ Concession for Government Women Employees in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region

Announcement by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar in the Legislative Council

Mumbai, March 2026 : Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar announced an important concession of “Come Early–Go Early” for government women employees in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in the Legislative Council. Assuring that the State Government is committed to the overall development of women, she also appealed to strengthen the resolve of building a society that provides women with proper respect, opportunities, and security.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar was replying to the special discussion on the proposal held in the Legislative Council on the occasion of International Women’s Day. On this occasion, she said that under the “Come Early–Go Early” decision taken in view of Women’s Day, women employees in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region will be allowed to come to the office earlier between 9:15 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. and start work. For the number of minutes they begin work earlier, they will be allowed to leave the office earlier in the evening by the same number of minutes, up to about 30 minutes. This decision will reduce the inconvenience faced by women during peak-hour rush and provide them with considerable relief.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar thanked all members, stating that many members presented important suggestions regarding women’s empowerment during the discussion in the House. She assured that the government will positively consider all these suggestions and take necessary steps.

Speaking about women’s safety, she said that under the “Operation Muskaan” campaign to trace missing children, 14 campaigns were conducted in the state between July 2015 and February 2026, through which 42,594 children were traced. Similarly, through the Operation Shodh campaign, 5,066 women and 2,771 children were traced. ‘Missing Cells’ are functioning in all districts of the state, and 51 “Bharosa Cells” have been established to address women’s issues.

While stating that the state government is effectively implementing various schemes for women’s economic empowerment, she mentioned schemes such as Ladki Bahin, Namo Mahila Sashaktikaran, Lek Ladki, Annapurna, and Lakhpati Didi. To provide market access for products made by self-help groups, initiatives such as Umed Mall, Umed Mart, and Mahalakshmi Saras are being implemented. She also informed that self-help group products have been made available for sale on online platforms.

Speaking about honorarium and infrastructure for Anganwadi workers and helpers, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said that the government is positive about the issue. She stated that drinking water facilities have been provided to 17,254 Anganwadi centres in the state. She also informed that to enhance women’s safety through modern technology, systems have been set up to prevent cyber crimes at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Churchgate, and Borivali railway stations.

For the empowerment of women, the government has approved 180 days of maternity leave for women government employees. After maternity leave, if necessary, women employees are also allowed to take half-pay leave for up to one year without a medical certificate, she said. The fourth Women’s Policy has been implemented in the state, and a high-level committee has been established for its effective implementation.

She noted that the “Adishakti Abhiyan” is being implemented to make the lives of women in rural areas safer and more dignified. Its objectives include preventing child marriage, creating violence-free villages, and reducing the school dropout rate among girls.

The state government is placing special emphasis on health, education, skill development, strengthening of self-help groups, special measures for women farmers and workers, and effective laws with strict implementation to ensure women’s safety, she clarified. Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar also expressed her resolve to work for women’s empowerment by drawing inspiration from Jijau Ma Saheb, Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule, Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar, and Maharani Tarabai. She emphasized that women’s empowerment is not only economic but also social, cultural, and psychological empowerment.