PUNE, 9 NOV. The recruitment process for Junior Engineer (Civil) Grade-3 posts in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has faced a significant delay, leaving tens of thousands of applicants waiting for the examination schedule. The process, which is being handled in collaboration with the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), was initially launched for 113 vacancies. The primary reason for the prolonged delay is the implementation of the Maratha Reservation policy.
Following the Maharashtra State Government's decision on February 27, 2024, to implement a 10% reservation for the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC), the PMC was required to revise its entire reservation matrix. Consequently, the total number of vacancies for the Junior Engineer (Civil) positions has been increased to 169.
The official process encountered further roadblocks due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct during the recent Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, which temporarily restricted administrative decision-making regarding the recruitment.
To accommodate the revised reservation structure and new vacancies, the PMC provided candidates with an opportunity to review and modify their existing applications or apply afresh, particularly allowing eligible candidates to claim the new Maratha reservation. Candidates who had previously applied under the initial advertisement do not need to reapply, but if they submit a new application, the previously submitted one is automatically canceled. Furthermore, the state government granted a special age relaxation to candidates who applied earlier but have since crossed the prescribed age limit, ensuring they remain eligible. The window for applications and modifications was recently reopened to facilitate this process.
PMC officials have emphasized the urgency of completing the recruitment process before the impending municipal elections, as any further delay could push the examination back indefinitely. The administration is currently focused on finalizing the reservation matrix and procedures to allow IBPS to schedule the online examination as soon as possible.
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