Maharashtra allows women employees to leave office early under new scheme

The Maharashtra government has introduced a flexible working-hours scheme for women government employees in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, allowing them to leave office earlier if they arrive earlier in the day.

The initiative, titled ‘Come Early Go Early’, was announced by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar during a discussion on women’s issues in the state legislative council earlier this week, according to reports by Hindustan Times.

The scheme was introduced to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March and is aimed at easing commuting pressures faced by female employees during peak hours in the Mumbai region.

Flexible timing for women employees

Under the new policy, women government employees can arrive at work between 9.15 am and 9.45 am if they choose and leave earlier by the same number of minutes.

Officials say the measure is intended to reduce the stress and inconvenience associated with crowded public transport during rush hours, particularly in Mumbai’s suburban railway network.

A government resolution formalising the scheme has been issued by the General Administration Department, according to Hindustan Times.

Speaking in the legislative council, Pawar said the government was committed to creating a society where women have greater access to opportunity, safety and dignity.

Broader focus on women’s safety

During the discussion, the deputy chief minister also highlighted initiatives taken by the state government to strengthen women’s safety.

She noted that ‘Operation Muskan’, a state campaign to trace missing children, has conducted 14 drives between July 2015 and February 2026, leading to the identification of over 42,500 children.

Authorities have also traced more than 5,000 missing women and nearly 2,800 children under ‘Operation Shodh’, she said.

The state government has also set up Missing Persons Cells across districts and 51 ‘Bharosa Cells’ designed to address complaints related to women’s safety and support.

In addition, the use of technology is being expanded to improve security in crowded areas. Pawar said special monitoring mechanisms have been introduced at major Mumbai railway stations including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Churchgate and Borivali to prevent crimes.

Economic empowerment initiatives

The government is also promoting economic programmes aimed at improving women’s financial independence.

Pawar cited schemes such as Ladki Bahin, Namo Mahila Sashaktikaran, Lek Ladki, Annapurna and Lakhpati Didi, which support women through financial assistance and skill development.

Platforms such as Umed Mall, Umed Mart and Mahalakshmi Saras have also been created to provide market access for products produced by women’s self-help groups, including through online sales channels.

Workplace policies for women

The state government has also approved six months of maternity leave for women government employees, with the option to take an additional year of half-pay leave without requiring a medical certificate.

Officials say these measures are designed to help women balance professional and family responsibilities while encouraging greater workforce participation.

The new flexible-hours scheme forms part of a wider set of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of women in public service.

As Indian states compete to strengthen gender inclusion and workforce participation, policymakers increasingly view workplace flexibility as a key tool for supporting women employees, particularly in large urban centres.