Special Correspondent
Maharashtra: The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) interviewed 623 candidates for various state services in 2022, and the merit list was released on January 18, 2024. However, even after a year, those selected for prestigious posts like deputy collector, tehsildar, and education officer are still awaiting their appointments. The ongoing delays are attributed to inefficient government policies and administrative red tape, leaving many candidates frustrated.
The MPSC had advertised 623 vacancies across 23 posts, with the main exam conducted in January 2023 and interviews held between December 2023 and January 2024. The merit list was published in January 2024, followed by the interim post-wise list in March 2024. Despite being selected for key government positions, the candidates have yet to receive their official appointments.
Legal challenges from some candidates, who went to court over the selection process, delayed the appointment process further. However, with all petitions now resolved, the commission announced a final re-selection list, but the General Administration Department has yet to act on it.
Officials from the state government, including Sujata Saunik, the Chief Secretary, have claimed to be unaware of the specifics causing the delays. “We will take further action once we have all the necessary information about the delays,” Saunik stated.
The issue remains unresolved even after multiple representations by Umesh Korram from the Students’ Rights Association of India, who has reached out to the chief minister, deputy chief minister, and MPSC officials on behalf of the candidates.
Many of the selected candidates are now expressing growing anxiety due to the prolonged waiting period. Some have started fearing that they may never receive their appointments. The situation has created severe personal and financial strains. “It’s been three years since the process began, and yet there is no clarity about when we will be appointed,” one anonymous candidate said. “Some of us have faced personal hardships, like broken marriages, and are now struggling to make ends meet.
Despite being selected for gazetted officer positions, some of us are working as security guards or giving tuitions just to survive.”
Another candidate, also requesting anonymity, expressed similar frustrations. “After dedicating five to seven years of our lives to preparation and getting selected, we still have to wait for appointments. This has led to financial and emotional distress for many of us. The chief minister should intervene and resolve this issue urgently.”
With many candidates still in limbo, the MPSC’s appointment delays continue to raise concerns over the efficiency of the state government’s processes and the well-being of those awaiting official appointments.
