A senior official in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) lost his job just a month before retirement due to allegations of violating Maharashtra’s two-child norm.
Assistant Commissioner Srinivas Dangat, who worked in the civic body’s social development department, was dismissed after a long inquiry into his compliance with state service rules.
The dismissal was formalized by PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh on January 7.
The case highlights a strict adherence to the Maharashtra Civil Services (Declaration of Small Family) Rules, 2005, which mandate a two-child limit for government employees.
What Led to the Termination?
The controversy stems from allegations that Dangat failed to disclose information about his third child, allegedly born after the implementation of the two-child rule.
An internal inquiry was initiated after complaints suggested Dangat violated these rules.
As per PCMC officials, Dangat did not file the required affidavit confirming compliance with the family-size norms when he joined as an administrative officer in 2013.
Despite repeated reminders, the affidavit was never submitted, prompting the civic body to act.
Dangat, however, has denied the allegations.
“I informed the municipal corporation about the birth of my third child in 2011.
All records are available with PCMC. Moreover, the rule came into effect in 2006, and my two children were born before 2005,” Dangat told reporters.
From Clerk to Assistant Commissioner
Dangat’s career with the PCMC began in 1989 when he joined as a clerk.
After clearing departmental exams, he was promoted to administrative officer in 2013 and eventually reached the rank of assistant commissioner.
His sudden termination comes as a significant blow, especially with retirement scheduled in February.
Dangat claims he provided evidence to the inquiry committee in 2021 to prove his compliance with the rules.
“Now, after four years, they have terminated my service. I will appeal this order before the PCMC commissioner and seek justice from higher authorities,” he said.
Understanding the Two-Child Rule
The Maharashtra Civil Services (Declaration of Small Family) Rules, 2005, were introduced as part of broader efforts to encourage family planning among government employees.
Similar policies exist in other Indian states, reflecting a nationwide push for population control through institutional means.
However, such policies have faced criticism for being punitive and failing to account for specific circumstances.
Dismissals under the rule are not unprecedented; in 2019, a teacher in Rajasthan was terminated for similar reasons, sparking debates about fairness and proportionality.
