Maharashtra scraps oral ministerial appointments, orders staff reassignment

Maharashtra has moved to regularise its ministerial staffing by cancelling all 'oral' or informal appointments in ministerial offices. Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal issued a circular mandating that all such officials and employees be sent back to their parent offices by September 10, bringing an end to the informal appointment practice.

The directive effectively formalises the state's administrative structure by eliminating ad-hoc staffing arrangements in ministerial establishments. These oral appointments, which bypass formal recruitment procedures, have long been a feature of India's state governments, often used for temporary or expedited placements.

The move reflects a broader push toward standardising government operations and ensuring proper documentation of all staff postings. By enforcing the September 10 deadline, Maharashtra aims to complete the transition and restore affected personnel to their substantive positions within a defined timeframe.

The circular applies across all ministerial offices in the state government, signalling a comprehensive overhaul of informal staffing practices. Officials have been directed to ensure compliance with the directive, with parent departments expected to absorb returning staff members.