PCMC has launched a departmental probe against a deputy engineer for having a third child after the state’s two-child policy cut-off date of March 28, 2006.
The officer admitted to the violation; if found guilty, he may face dismissal and loss of retirement benefits.
This case comes shortly after the Bombay High Court gave limited relief to Assistant Commissioner Shrinivas Dangat in a similar situation, but clarified it won't be a precedent.
Pune, 31 July 2025: In another case highlighting the state government’s strict enforcement of the two-child policy, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has initiated a departmental inquiry against a deputy engineer from its civil department.
The officer is accused of violating the Maharashtra Civil Services (Declaration of Small Family) Rules, 2005, laws that disqualify government employees from holding office if they have more than two children born after March 28, 2006.
Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh has ordered a full inquiry into the matter. The engineer allegedly had a third child in December 2008, well past the policy cut-off date. This violates the rule applicable to all state government staff, from Group A to Group D, requiring them to submit a declaration of compliance with the two-child norm.
A senior PCMC official confirmed that the officer admitted to the breach when questioned. The inquiry is expected to conclude within a month, after which necessary action will be taken as per procedure.
The accused had joined PCMC before the rule came into effect, but the policy clearly applies to all employees, regardless of when they were hired. Violations can lead not only to dismissal but also to the forfeiture of retirement benefits like pension and gratuity. If the deputy engineer is found guilty, PCMC will need to pass a formal resolution in the general body meeting to terminate his service.
This case follows closely on the heels of a similar incident involving Assistant Commissioner Shrinivas Dangat, who was dismissed for breaching the same rule. However, Dangat challenged the termination in the Bombay High Court and received relief just days before retirement.
On February 26, 2025, the court reversed his termination, allowing him to retain his retirement benefits but imposed a penalty of ₹7.5 lakh, which he agreed to forfeit from his gratuity.
Importantly, the court clarified that Dangat’s case would not serve as a precedent for future matters. PCMC has been directed to release his remaining retirement dues accordingly.