Only three agencies to help Maharashtra government in recruitment

Uddhav Thackeray and Ajit Pawar. File pics

Hit by question paper leak scams and mismanagement of its recruitment examinations, the state government has zeroed in on three reputed agencies, to seek their assistance in conducting a flawless selection and appointment process.

The agencies finalised by the Cabinet on Wednesday included the Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited, Institute of Banking Personnel and Tata Consultancy Services. Only the chosen three will execute the recruitment-related programme.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and his deputy Ajit Pawar gave their nod to the proposal for the three agencies after due debate in the weekly meeting, wherein serious concerns over the failed recruitment design were expressed.

A couple of months ago, the health department had to postpone examinations because of the unprofessional agency that was pressed into service. When the exams were held, a question paper leak scam came to the fore. The Pune police arrested some senior health department officials and their conduits in the case.

Last Sunday's recruitment exam for the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority was postponed because the question papers were leaked. Six people, including the director of the company which was contracted to conduct the exams, have been arrested.

The cabinet also decided to complete the formality of withdrawing the three amended farm law bills it had tabled in the legislature early this year. The bills were rendered redundant after the Centre abolished its laws.