Pune: PCMC Assistant Commissioner Removed for Violating Small Family Rule, Delay in Action Sparks Scrutiny

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 8th January 2025: The Assistant Commissioner of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has been removed from his service due to having more than two children, violating the ‘small family’ rule. PCMC Administrator and Commissioner Shekhar Singh issued this order. The Assistant Commissioner, identified as Shrinivas Ramchandra Dangat, has claimed injustice and stated his intention to appeal to the High Court.

Shrinivas Dangat joined PCMC as a clerk in 2013 during a mass recruitment drive. The terms and conditions of his appointment were subject to The Maharashtra Civil Services (Declaration of Small Family) Rules of 2005, which came into effect that year. This rule stipulates that individuals with more than two children are ineligible for government jobs in Maharashtra.

Dangat reportedly avoided submitting the required affidavit regarding his family size. A complaint was filed against him, leading to a departmental inquiry. The investigation revealed that Dangat indeed had three children, violating the small family rule.

On the basis of the inquiry’s findings, PCMC Chief Shekhar Singh ordered Dangat’s removal from service. However, questions have been raised regarding the delay in issuing this order, as the information about Dangat’s family size had reportedly been known for months.

Implications of the Rule

The Maharashtra Civil Services (Declaration of Small Family) Rules of 2005 have far-reaching implications:
1. Individuals with more than two children are ineligible for government jobs in Maharashtra.
2. Women with more than two children are not eligible for the Public Distribution System.

Delay in Removal?

The inquiry on Assistant Commissioner Dangat was set in August 2021 after a complaint was received. Its results were given to the General Administration Department, proving Dangat’s non-compliance with rules, almost a year ago. Also, Dangat was up for retirement next month. So, removing him just before a month his service ended and not taking action earlier is resulting in heavy scrutiny of PCMC Chief Shekhar Singh.

Injustice Alleged By Removed Employee

Reportedly, in the inquiry, Dangat demanded the inquiry be done according to the Departmental Enquiry Rule Book of 1991; however, it was not done, he has alleged. Dangat also said that the PCMC administration didn’t hear his side of the story. The removal is injustice, he claims. He will appeal against this in the Bombay High Court.