Focus on ST Vacancies, Sanitation Jobs, and Caste Certificate Reforms
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday informed the state Legislative Assembly that the government is preparing to launch a major recruitment drive across multiple departments.
According to a media report, “this mega bharti (mega recruitment) will be initiated once a clear picture of the vacant posts emerges following a 150-day target programme assigned to all departments,” he said.
Responding to a “calling-attention notice” raised by MLA Bhimrao Keram on the issue of vacant posts in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “We had earlier announced the recruitment of 75,000 posts. So far, over one lakh positions have been filled. The government will not hold back when it comes to recruitment.”
The Chief Minister outlined key objectives of the 150-day programme, including restructuring departmental frameworks, updating recruitment rules, ensuring 100% compassionate appointments, and identifying clear vacancies. Based on these steps, a mega recruitment will be planned, he said.
Fadnavis also revealed that 6,860 posts reserved for Scheduled Tribes are currently occupied by individuals who have not submitted valid caste certificates, despite having served for 20 years or more.
“In a humanitarian approach, the government has treated these posts as supernumerary, meaning these employees will continue in their positions but will not be eligible for promotions. After they retire, these posts will be considered vacant and can be filled as per reservation norms,” he said.
Out of these, 1,343 posts have already been filled with eligible ST candidates, and the process to fill the remaining posts is underway. The government is also working to simplify and digitise the caste verification process using blockchain-based systems, aiming to bring speed and transparency.
In a related development, Fadnavis announced that the Supreme Court has lifted the stay on inheriting sanitation jobs, and recruitment for these posts will now move forward based on the recommendations of the Lad-Page Committee.
“Recruitment for ST-reserved posts in the Public Works Department will also be taken up shortly. A special secretarial task force will be constituted to expedite and streamline the caste certificate verification process,” the CM added.
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