Mumbai: The state’s mighty Revenue machinery was shaken out of its slumber on Friday, as the deputation of 29 Deputy Collectors was abruptly cancelled. The move, one of the most sweeping in recent years, came after Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule took serious exception to officers overstaying their welcome in cushy assignments.
About The Decision
Regarded as the spine of grassroots governance, the Revenue cadre manages everything from land disputes and disaster relief to serving as Taluka and Sub-divisional Magistrates. But with 48 key posts lying vacant in under-served regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada, Bawankule decided enough was enough.
The 29 Deputy Collectors, who had been serving in other departments—mostly in plush urban districts—have been told to return to their original roles in the Revenue Department, immediately. The sudden development, according to sources, was the outcome of a recent meeting where the Revenue Minister said that as many as 48 posts of Additional and Deputy Collectors were vacant in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.
The state government was finding it difficult to deliver the benefits of various government schemes and to undertake development works for the benefit of the people due to the vacancies. Sources said the axe came down following a meeting where Bawankule was also informed that nearly 140 officers were on deputation, many of them for over five years. Not amused, he directed Revenue Additional Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar to revoke the deputations of those who had long overstayed.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule's Statement
Confirming the decision, Bawankule stated, “Twenty-nine officers had been on deputation for more than five years. That’s not acceptable. We need them in the field, implementing critical state schemes.” A closer look reveals that most of the now-recalled officers were parked in Pune, Thane, and Mumbai—areas long considered 'safe havens' for their urban comfort, better schools, and lifestyle perks.
For years, many officers have worked the system to avoid assignments in the state's grittier hinterlands. But the comfort ride might not end here. Another round of 'recalls' may follow, with around 40 senior officers having completed over three years on deputation. The Revenue Minister, sources say, is determined to rebalance the system as plum posts aren’t permanent, and the field still needs its foot soldiers.
