Pune: Amidst ongoing efforts to strengthen its workforce, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is dealing with high employee turnover as 71 employees have resigned and 13 have opted for voluntary retirement within the past year.
The PMC, which had been under a decade-long hiring freeze, started filling positions last year following the state government’s lifting of the recruitment suspension.
Yet, the combination of resignations and retirements is putting pressure on the organization, leaving critical posts unfilled.
According to PMC Deputy Commissioner Pratibha Patil, the newly recruited employees often leave for better-paying government positions or other job opportunities, affecting PMC’s work efficiency.
A waiting list typically provides backup candidates in case of vacancies, but since most resignations occur after one year, waiting list candidates are not eligible.
In the latest recruitment phases, PMC filled 808 vacancies, including 135 junior engineers last year and 320 additional posts across nine roles this year.
However, 71 employees from various positions, including clerks, junior engineers, firemen, and medical officers, have since resigned.
Additionally, the corporation has seen an increase in voluntary retirement among experienced senior officials, citing health issues, family obligations, or work stress.
Candidates also face job pressures, frequent complaints due to Right to Information (RTI) requests, and challenges from disruptive individuals within PMC.
One junior engineer who left the position shared that they chose to join the Water Resources Department instead, while a retired engineer attributed their departure to health concerns.
The delays in hiring have also been impacted by pending decisions regarding Maratha reservation, holding up additional recruitment for positions such as junior engineers and fire officers.
Due to the increased staff shortages, PMC is actively reviewing its recruitment practices and ensuring transparency in the hiring process.
Current Vacancies Following Resignations and Retirements
Junior Engineers: 10
Assistant Encroachment Inspectors: 9
Clerks: 37
Divisional Medical Officers: 3
Pharmacists: 2
Vehicle Inspectors: 2
Firemen: 8
Voluntary Retirements: 13