Pune: For the first time in its history, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) fire brigade will include women in its ranks as rescuers and firemen. In the recent recruitment drive, 20 women cleared the written examination. Their document verification and physical tests are scheduled for January 22 to 24, with the final selection process nearing completion.

The PCMC fire brigade's headquarters is located in Sant Tukaram Nagar, with sub-centers in Bhosari, Pradhikaran, Rahatni, and Talawade. Rapid urbanization and an increase in construction activities necessitated the establishment of additional fire sub-centers. Over the past two years, three new sub-centers have been set up in Moshi, Chikhali, and Thergaon, which created a need for additional manpower.

A recruitment process was initiated last year to fill the vacancies. An online written examination was conducted on August 29, 2024, with the results announced on August 4. Document verification and physical tests for eligible candidates will take place at the Sant Dnyaneshwar Sports Complex in Indrayani Nagar, Bhosari.

Candidates who cleared the written test must undergo document verification. This includes cross-checking details such as photographs, age, educational qualifications, caste certificates, non-creamy layer certificates, no-objection certificates, sports certificates, ex-servicemen proof, project-affected certificates, orphan certificates, home guard proof, marriage registration or gazette for name changes, computer proficiency certificates, and category-specific requirements.

• Candidates securing more than 45% marks in the online examination will be eligible for document verification and physical fitness tests.

• Carrying electronic devices such as smartwatches, stopwatches, or mobile phones during the physical tests is strictly prohibited. Any violation will lead to disqualification.

Details of Recruitment

• Sanctioned Posts: 273

• Vacancies: 150

• Written Exam Qualifiers:

• Men: 875

• Women: 20

• Total: 895

Physical Test Schedule

Date: Candidates

• January 22: 300

• January 23: 300

• January 24: 295

First-Time Opportunity for Women

Previously, there were no women in the PCMC fire brigade. However, in 2022, 12 women trainees from the Maharashtra State Fire Academy in Santa Cruz, Mumbai, underwent training as apprentices. These trainees pursued courses for firemen, sub-officer, and fire prevention officer positions.

"For the first time, women are being directly recruited into the Pimpri-Chinchwad fire brigade. In the last recruitment in 2012, only men were hired. Now, women are being given an opportunity," said Manoj Lonkar, Deputy Commissioner, PCMC.