Come early, go early: Maharashtra Dy CM Sunetra Pawar, in her first speech, announces scheme for women
Under the plan, women staff members would be allowed to report to work between 9.15 am and 9.45 am and leave earlier in the evening by the same amount of time they arrive ahead of the usual schedule
PTC Web Desk: Marking her first address in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar announced a new initiative aimed at easing the daily commute for women government employees working in Mumbai. Speaking on the occasion of International Women's Day, Sunetra Pawar proposed a “come early, go early” scheme designed to help women avoid peak-hour congestion in the city.
The proposed policy will apply to women employees working within the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Under the plan, women staff members would be allowed to report to work between 9.15 am and 9.45 am and leave earlier in the evening by the same amount of time they arrive ahead of the usual schedule. The move is intended to make commuting in Mumbai more manageable and reduce travel stress.
During her speech, she also highlighted several measures taken by the state government to strengthen women’s safety and welfare. She noted that initiatives such as Operation Muskan and Operation Shodh have helped authorities trace thousands of missing women and children across the state up to early 2026. To further strengthen support systems, she said that 51 Bharosa Cells and dedicated Missing Cells are now operational in districts across Maharashtra.
On employee welfare, the Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that women in government service are entitled to 180 days of maternity leave. In addition, they have the option of taking up to one year of leave on half pay. According to her, these provisions are aimed at ensuring that women do not have to choose between professional responsibilities and childcare.
She also spoke about various economic empowerment programmes, including the Ladki Bahin and Lakhpati Didi schemes, along with the state’s Fourth Women’s Policy. These initiatives focus on areas such as preventing gender-based violence, improving access to education, and enhancing health and nutrition for women.
Sunetra Pawar further mentioned platforms like Umed Mall and Mahalakshmi Saras, which enable women’s self-help groups to sell their products online and expand their market reach. She also highlighted the Adishakti Abhiyan, a campaign aimed at tackling issues such as child marriage and school dropouts in rural areas.
Referring to the legacy of social reformers Savitribai Phule and Ahilyabai Holkar, she emphasised that true empowerment of women must include social respect and security, not just financial assistance.