Maharashtra govt to allow flexible reporting time for women employees in Mumbai

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar on Tuesday announced a ldquoCome EarlyndashGo Earlyrdquo relaxation for women government employees working in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region aimed at easing commuting difficulties during peak hoursReplying to a special discussion in the Maharashtra Legislative Council held on the occasion of International Womens Day Pawar said the state government remains committed to the overall development of women and called for renewed efforts to build a society that ensures respect equal opportunities and safety for womenlsquoCome EarlyndashGo Earlyrsquo facility for women employeesExplaining the decision Pawar said women government employees in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region will be allowed to report to work between 915 am and 945 amIf employees begin work earlier within this window they will be permitted to leave office earlier by the same number of minutes in the evening allowing a relaxation of up to 30 minutesShe said the initiative is expected to reduce inconvenience faced by women during peakhour travel and provide relief to those commuting long distancesGovernment to consider suggestions on womenrsquos empowermentThanking members who participated in the discussion Pawar said several constructive suggestions were made in the House regarding womenrsquos empowerment She assured that the state government would positively consider these recommendations and take appropriate stepsMeasures to trace missing women and childrenHighlighting safety initiatives Pawar said that under Operation Muskan 14 drives conducted between July 2015 and February 2026 led to the tracing of 42594 children across the stateAdditionally under Operation Shodh authorities traced 5066 women and 2771 childrenShe added that Missing Cells are operational in all districts of the state while 51 Bharosa Cells have been established to address issues related to womenSchemes aimed at womenrsquos economic empowermentPawar also highlighted several welfare schemes aimed at womenrsquos economic empowerment including the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana Namo Mahila Sashaktikaran Abhiyan Lek Ladki Yojana Annapurna Yojana and Lakhpati Didi SchemeShe said initiatives such as Umed Mall Umed Mart and Mahalakshmi Saras are being run to provide market access for products made by selfhelp groups with these products also being made available on online platformsFocus on anganwadi infrastructure and worker welfareAddressing concerns raised about honorarium and infrastructure for anganwadi workers and helpers Pawar said the government is taking a positive approach on the issueShe also informed the House that 17254 anganwadi centres across the state have been provided with drinking water facilitiesTechnologybased initiatives to improve safetyPawar said modern technology is increasingly being used to enhance womenrsquos safety Mechanisms have been established at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Churchgate railway station and Borivali railway station to help prevent cyber crimesShe further said the state government has approved 180 days of maternity leave for women government employees After maternity leave women employees can also avail halfpay leave for up to one year without a medical certificate if requiredImplementation of Fourth Womenrsquos PolicyThe state has also implemented the Fourth Womenrsquos Policy and a highlevel committee has been constituted to ensure its effective implementationTo improve safety and dignity for women in rural areas the government is implementing the Adishakti Abhiyan aimed at preventing child marriages creating villages free from violence and reducing school dropout rates among girlsInspiration from historical women leadersPawar said the state government is placing special emphasis on health education skill development strengthening selfhelp groups special measures for women farmers and workers and strict implementation of laws to ensure womenrsquos safetyShe concluded by saying that inspiration should be drawn from the contributions of Jijabai Savitribai Phule Ahilyabai Holkar and Tarabai reaffirming the governmentrsquos commitment to womenrsquos empowermentPawar emphasised that womenrsquos empowerment is not limited to economic independence but also includes social cultural and psychological empowerment which are equally important