Pune: The recruitment process for "Pune Jail Guard Recruitment 2022-23," under the Maharashtra State Prison Department's Western Division, has been stalled for ten months, causing immense distress to over one lakh eligible candidates. Despite receiving 1,30,000 applications for 513 positions, no progress has been made since the advertisement was published in March 2024.
Timeline of Delays
The recruitment, part of a larger statewide hiring campaign announced in January 2024 by former Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aimed to fill 17,471 police positions across Maharashtra. While other district recruitment processes have been completed, the Pune Jail Guard Recruitment process has remained inactive, frustrating candidates who have been preparing for nearly a year.
Lack of Communication
Candidates reported that despite multiple attempts to contact the Maharashtra State Prison Department’s Western Division using the phone numbers provided in the recruitment advertisement, their calls failed to connect. This lack of communication has left candidates anxious and uncertain about the next steps.
Candidates’ Frustration
Candidates compared the delayed process to other recruitments, such as Pune City Police Recruitment 2024, where physical tests, written exams, document verification, and training have already been completed. Many expressed concerns about wasted preparation efforts and the lack of clarity on timelines.
"I have been preparing for 11 months, but there’s no progress. Even when I visit the office, no officials are available to provide information," said one candidate.
Another candidate shared, "I’m confused about whether to focus on this recruitment or the upcoming police recruitment. The lack of updates is frustrating."
"Over one lakh candidates are affected by this delay. The administration should provide proper guidance to help us plan," added Vitthal Bade, a candidate.
Arvind Chavaria, Additional Police Commissioner (Administration), explained the delay: "The recruitment process was postponed due to the election code of conduct and insufficient tenders initially. Fresh tenders were invited, and the process is now complete. Recruitment activities will commence after January 26."