Maharashtra Announces “Come Early Go Early” Scheme For Women Employees

The Government of Maharashtra has introduced a new initiative called the “Come Early, Go Early” scheme for women state government employees working in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to help them avoid crowded rush-hour travel in suburban trains.

The scheme was announced by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar during a discussion in the Maharashtra Legislative Council on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

The initiative will apply to women employees working within the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and surrounding areas of the Mumbai metropolitan region.

How The ‘Come Early, Go Early’ Scheme Will Work

Under the new system, women state government employees will be allowed flexible office reporting time in the morning.

Employees can report to work between 9:15 am and 9:45 am. Those who arrive early will also be allowed to leave early in the evening by the same duration, with a maximum flexibility of 30 minutes.

According to Sunetra Pawar, the aim of the scheme is to reduce the daily stress women face while travelling during peak hours on Mumbai’s heavily crowded suburban train network.

“This decision would provide major relief to women by easing the inconvenience they face due to rush hour crowds,” she said.

Relief For Women Travelling In Crowded Suburban Trains

A government resolution issued after the announcement confirmed that flexible office timings will be permitted for women officers and employees working in districts that form part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The move is expected to help thousands of women government employees who rely on suburban trains for daily commuting.

However, the government clarified that employees using the facility must ensure that official work is not affected.

In cases involving urgent assignments such as legislative work, court matters or important administrative duties, employees may be required to stay beyond the flexible timing depending on office requirements.

What Did The Government Say About Women’s Safety?

During the discussion in the Legislative Council, Sunetra Pawar also highlighted the state government’s initiatives aimed at improving women’s safety and welfare.

She said that under the Operation Muskaan campaign to locate missing children, 14 drives conducted between July 2015 and February 2026 helped trace 42,594 children across Maharashtra.

Additionally, 5,066 women and 2,771 children were traced under “Operation Shodh.”

The state government has also set up Missing Cells in all districts and established 51 Bharosa Cells to address issues related to women’s safety and support.

Economic Empowerment Schemes For Women

The deputy chief minister also listed several welfare schemes aimed at empowering women economically.

These include programs such as Ladki Bahin Yojana, Namo Mahila Sakshamikaran Abhiyan, Lek Ladki Yojana, Annapurna Yojana, and Lakhpati Didi Scheme.

To support women-led self-help groups, the government has created marketing platforms such as Umed Mall, Umed Mart and Mahalakshmi Saras, allowing products made by these groups to reach wider markets, including online platforms.

Support Measures For Anganwadi Workers

Sunetra Pawar also spoke about welfare steps for anganwadi workers and helpers.

She said the government is considering improvements in honorarium and infrastructure for these workers.

So far, drinking water facilities have been provided at 17,254 anganwadi centres across the state.

The government has also granted 180 days of maternity leave to women government employees, along with the option of one year of half-pay leave after maternity leave without a medical certificate.

Women’s Policy And Rural Initiatives

The deputy chief minister said Maharashtra’s Fourth Women’s Policy is now being implemented and a high-level committee has been formed to ensure its effective execution.

The state has also launched the Adishakti Abhiyan, aimed at improving the safety and dignity of rural women, preventing child marriage, reducing school dropout rates among girls and creating atrocity-free villages.

She said the government will continue to focus on women’s health, education, skill development, self-help groups, and support for women farmers and labourers while ensuring strict enforcement of laws related to women’s safety.