Sunetra Pawar’s Gift To Women: Up to 1-Year Maternity Leave, Flexible Timings For Maharashtra Govt Employees
Mumbai, March 11: In a landmark move for working mothers, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has announced enhanced maternity leave benefits extending up to one year, alongside a flexible ‘Come Early, Go Early’ scheme for women government employees in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The announcements, made during her emotional maiden speech in the Legislative Council on International Women’s Day, mark a significant expansion of women’s welfare policies in the state.
Landmark Maternity Leave Benefits Announced
The most significant component of Sunetra Pawar’s gift to women is the substantial enhancement of maternity leave provisions for women government employees. In a move that sets a new benchmark for maternal support in the state, the Deputy CM announced that the government has sanctioned 180 days of paid maternity leave.
Going a step further, in a major relief for new mothers balancing career and childcare, women employees can now avail of up to one year of half-pay leave immediately after their maternity leave period ends. Crucially, this extension can be obtained without requiring a medical certificate, removing a significant bureaucratic hurdle for new mothers.
केंद्र शासनाच्या निर्णयाच्या धर्तीवर आता राज्यातही शासकीय कर्मचारी महिलांना १८० दिवसांची प्रसूती रजा मिळणार असून, आवश्यकता भासल्यास ही रजा कमाल १ वर्षापर्यंत वैद्यकीय प्रमाणपत्राशिवाय वाढवून घेता येणार आहे.#अर्थसंकल्पीयअधिवेशन२०२६#BudgetSession2026 pic.twitter.com/inXwn3phB5
— Sunetra Ajit Pawar (@SunetraA_Pawar) March 10, 2026
‘Come Early Go Early Scheme’ to Ease Mumbai Commute
Complementing the maternity benefits, Pawar unveiled the ‘Come Early Go Early’ scheme designed specifically for women government employees working within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other state government departments in the MMR. The policy aims to help women navigate Mumbai’s notoriously congested peak-hour traffic.
Under the scheme, women employees have the option to report to work between 9:15 AM and 9:45 AM. Those who choose to arrive earlier within this window will be permitted to leave office earlier in the evening by the same number of minutes, offering a relaxation of up to 30 minutes.
“In Mumbai, we have seen that life is quite fast and hectic, while for women, it’s more so because they have to not only take care of their family, but also do their official work on time. It’s really tough to maintain this balance,” Sunetra Pawar explained during her address. “This move will give big relief to our sisters and daughters who are working in Mumbai.”
An Emotional Maiden Speech Honouring Ajit Pawar’s Legacy
The announcement was particularly significant as it marked Sunetra Pawar’s maiden speech in the legislative council. She took over the reins as Deputy Chief Minister following the tragic and untimely demise of her husband, Ajit Pawar. During her speech, she became emotional while referring to him, stating that he had always worked for women’s empowerment and had been looking forward to presenting the state budget this year. Her address was widely appreciated across party lines.
Strengthening Women’s Safety and Empowerment
Beyond the core announcements on leave and flexible timings, the Deputy CM outlined a comprehensive roadmap for women’s welfare, touching upon safety, economic empowerment, and rural development.
Tracing Operations and Bharosa Cells
Pawar provided data on the state’s success in tracing missing persons. Under Operation Muskan, 14 campaigns conducted between July 2015 and February 2026 led to the tracing of 42,594 children across the state. Simultaneously, under Operation Shodh, authorities successfully traced 5,066 women and 2,771 children.
To further bolster the safety net, Pawar informed the House that Missing Persons Cells are now operational in all districts, and 51 Bharosa Cells have been established to provide comprehensive support and address grievances related to women.
Digital Safety Initiatives
In the digital age, safety also means cyber security. She highlighted that mechanisms have been set up at major railway hubs, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Churchgate, and Borivali, to help prevent cyber crimes against women. The government has also launched the Mahila Sanman Portal, an online platform for women to file complaints regarding cyber crimes and atrocities, directly linked to the police system.
Economic Schemes and Rural Focus
Pawar reiterated the government’s commitment to economic empowerment by highlighting several existing schemes, including Ladki Bahin, Namo Mahila Sashaktikaran, Lek Ladki, Annapurna, and Lakhpati Didi. To provide market access for products made by Self-Help Groups (SHGs), platforms such as Umed Mall, Umed Mart, and Mahalakshmi Saras are being run.
Recognising that empowerment must reach the grassroots, the government is implementing the Adishakti Abhiyan in rural areas. This initiative aims to prevent child marriage, reduce school dropout rates among girls, and create violence-free villages.
Drawing inspiration from historical figures like Mata Jijau, Savitribai Phule, and Ahilyabai Holkar, Sunetra Pawar emphasised that empowerment must be social, cultural, and mental, not just financial. She urged members to strengthen the resolve to build a society that ensures proper respect, opportunities, and security for all women.
