Cong has acquired a long term vision now
A major point that could have been detrimental for the coalition government has been tackled right away. The question whether Kumaraswamy would remain a full term CM could have been a bone of contention if it was not addressed right now. The fact that this question has been answered without giving much space for it to gain different proportions is not only a surprising move, but also a fact that has brought much solace to the people of the state. It was rather inevitable that Congress with its 78 seats would offer the CM post on a platter to JD(S) with 37 seats. But it was somehow assumed that JD(S) and Congress would share the term of CM equally between themselves. Congress even deserved to have a CM of its own party for half the term. Because people’s mandate is favourably leaning towards Congress and the party has a large vote share too. And JD(S) would have been on a beneficial side with this arrangement. However, former PM Deve Gowda turned the whole situation in the favour of his party. And for the first time perhaps, Congress has faced the reality on a very pragmatic note. The party has set its sights on long term benefits of having to let go of the CM’s post for now.
Congress plans to come back in a big way in 2019 elections, hopefully clinching the PM post for itself. The expectations of Congress in the state went haywire, and this has given them a very uncertain feeling about 2019 elections. The party strategy now needs to be stronger than before to face the elections. Hence Congress is forging alliance with smaller parties at every possible opportunity to pose a challenge to NDA in the upcoming elections. That’s the whole reason behind offering CM’s post to HD Kumaraswamy for full term. If JD(S) and Congress can truck together to face elections in the state, the results can be highly favourable. JD(S) will have to return the favour by catapulting Rahul to the post of PM. If JD(S) has entered into coalition with BJP, Kumaraswamy would have probably lost his life time opportunity to be a full term CM! He would have had to share the seat with Yeddyurappa like it happened last time.
And even that would have been tough since the undercurrents of BJP suggest otherwise. Now JD(S) has the opportunity to have its cake and eat it too. Till last time, JD(S) didn’t hope to clinch big number of seats. The results weren’t even promising. Yet, the fact that it is riding over the party with 78 MLAs is a fact that may create discontentment among the Congress members. Hence, soon after coalition government was formed, there were statements about the term of the current CM wasn’t decided yet. But the Delhi high command concurring and announcing full support for HDK’s full term as CM, hasn’t gone down well among the members of Cong. Time can only answer how this entire decision would play out in Lok Sabha elections. This may weaken Congress and strengthen JD(S)’s presence in the state. Now major portfolios have gone to JD(S). Having suffered through demonetization, JD(S) will definitely find this a major resource to spring back to form. HDK as full term CM can work wonders for the confidence of JD(S) members and the party by the time Lok Sabha elections arrive.
But looks like this is a tentative situation since many Cong members have already expressed doubts on HDK’s full term run, and its impact on Congress in the state. Hence the coalition may continue till 2019 elections and then the fight for CM post may assume full form after the elections depending on how well Congress does.
Some members may even quit the party dissatisfied over HDK being given all the power. Hence the probabilities of 2019 elections has definitely raised curiosity in the state. If the allies like it happened in UP join in, BJP may face a tough challenge. But we have also seen how fast the allies have dissipated into thin air in the country. Rahul Gandhi may be the PM candidate in Congress and other parties may have even more experienced seniors much deserving of the post. Hence, it is not impossible for even HD Devegowda to push Rahul aside and occupy the seat himself. The Congress then would have lost the big and small picture both.
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Maharashtra govt to allow flexible reporting time for women employees in Mumbai
Mumbai (PTI): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar on Tuesday announced a flexible work time initiative for women state government employees working in the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Pawar said that under the "Come Early, Go Early" initiative, women employees will be allowed flexible reporting time between 9.15 am and 9.45 am, and can leave early in the evening by the same number of minutes after putting in the required number of hours of work.
"This decision would provide major relief to women by easing the inconvenience they face due to rush hour crowds," she said, during a special discussion in the legislative council to mark International Women's Day.
Reiterating the state government's commitment to the holistic development of women, Pawar urged members to strengthen the resolve to build a society that ensures proper respect, opportunities and security for women.
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The deputy chief minister also noted that 42,594 children were traced through 14 campaigns conducted under 'Operation Muskan' between July 2015 and February 2026, while 'Operation Shodh' helped trace 5,066 women and 2,771 children.
The missing people's cells were functional in all districts, while 51 Bharosa cells had been activated to address women's issues, she said.
Technology was being increasingly used for women's safety, and systems to prevent cybercrime had been set up at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Churchgate and Borivali railway stations, the deputy chief minister said.
Highlighting economic empowerment initiatives for women, the deputy chief minister cited schemes such as Ladki Bahin, Namo Mahila Sakshamikaran, Lek Ladki, Annapurna and Lakhpati Didi.
She said platforms such as Umed Mall, Umed Mart and Mahalakshmi Saras had been launched to provide markets for products made by self-help groups, which are now also available on online platforms.
Pawar stated that the government was positive about improving honorarium and infrastructure for anganwadi workers and helpers, noting that drinking water facilities had been provided to 17,254 anganwadi centres.
She also noted that the state had sanctioned 180 days of maternity leave for government employees and allowed up to one year of half-pay leave after maternity leave without the need for a medical certificate.
The Maharashtra government's 4th Women's Policy had been implemented and a high-level committee set up for its effective execution, she said.
The 'Adishakti Abhiyan' was also being implemented to ensure a safer and more dignified life for rural women, prevent child marriage, create atrocity-free villages and reduce school dropout rates among girls, Pawar said.
The state government has emphasised health, education, skill development, strengthening self-help groups, special measures for women farmers and labourers and strict enforcement of laws for women's safety, she said.
