In an effort to address the shortage of constables in the Mumbai police force, the state government has approved the hiring of 3,000 people from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation (MSSC) on a contract basis for a period of 11 months.
The decision comes as the police force currently faces an alarming shortage. About 10,000 positions for constables and 40,623 positions for drivers are open.
The Home Department released a Government Resolution (GR) that grants authorization for contractual hiring. However, even with the ongoing recruitment process filling 7,076 constable vacancies and 994 driver posts, there will still be a deficit of around 3,000 constables. The 7,076 newly hired constables will need to undergo training, which will take at least two years before they can actively join the force.
The contract-based recruitment by the MSSC has drawn criticism from opposition parties. They argue that government positions should be offered to young people instead of temporary hires. This is not the first time that the Ekanth Shinde administration has resorted to contractual hiring. The state government has previously hired workers on a contract basis on three occasions for various purposes.
The issue of missing women and girls in the state has also raised concerns. Anil Deshmukh, a former home minister and NCP leader, presented a point of information in the legislative Assembly. He pointed out that 19,553 women and girls have gone missing in the first five months of 2023. Maharashtra ranks third in cases of crimes against women, with incidents showing a worrisome increase of 9.57% over the past year.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, however, pointed out that 95% of the missing women have returned home, the highest percentage in the country, as of July 16.
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