The Maharashtra government has introduced a new initiative allowing women government employees in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to leave office early under a flexible work timing system. The scheme, called “Come Early, Go Early,” was announced by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar during a discussion in the state legislative council marking International Women’s Day.
The policy is aimed at improving work-life balance for women employees while addressing the challenges of daily commuting in Mumbai, especially during peak rush hours.
How the ‘Come Early, Go Early’ Scheme Works
Under the scheme, women government employees can 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 early. The flexibility is limited to a maximum of 30 minutes.
For example, if an employee reports to work 20 minutes earlier than the usual schedule, she will be allowed to leave the office 20 minutes earlier in the evening. However, the government has clarified that employees must ensure that official work does not suffer because of the flexible schedule.
Designed to Ease Mumbai’s Rush-Hour Travel
The decision comes in response to the severe overcrowding on Mumbai’s suburban railway network, which millions rely on for daily commuting. Women employees often face significant difficulty travelling during peak hours due to crowded trains and heavy traffic in the city.
By allowing women employees to adjust their work schedule slightly, the government hopes to reduce the stress associated with peak-hour travel and improve overall safety and convenience.
Conditions and Implementation
The government resolution implementing the policy states that the flexible schedule will apply to women officers and employees working within the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and nearby districts in the MMR.
However, the flexibility may not apply during situations that require immediate attention or important assignments such as legislative duties, court-related matters, or urgent office work. In such cases, employees may be required to follow regular working hours.
Part of Broader Women Empowerment Efforts
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Maharashtra government to strengthen women’s welfare and empowerment. Officials have highlighted that the state has also expanded maternity benefits, allowing 180 days of maternity leave, along with an option for additional leave on half pay if required.
These measures aim to support working women by making government workplaces more flexible and inclusive.
