By team abhyaspeeth 
Pune: In a major policy shift affecting thousands of job seekers, the recruitment of peons in private aided educational institutions has been permanently halted, resulting in the cancellation of around 25,000 positions across Maharashtra. This marks a significant change in staffing policies for aided schools and colleges.
At the same time, however, the School Education Department has approved the recruitment of approximately 6,000 non-teaching personnel—such as clerical staff and laboratory assistants—based on the 2023–24 consensus. For years, these vacancies remained unfilled due to the absence of a standardised recruitment process. With that format now finalised, the recruitment process is set to move forward.
80% of Vacant Posts to Be Filled
According to the department’s new directives, up to 80% of the sanctioned non-teaching posts in aided institutions can now be filled. Recruitment will be conducted under the framework of the 2023–24 collective agreement, and institutions have been granted temporary autonomy to manage this process directly.
Permanent Discontinuation of Subsidised Peon Posts
A significant aspect of the policy is the complete discontinuation of subsidised peon positions. Once existing peons retire or are promoted, their posts will not be refilled under government funding. Institutions that wish to hire peons may do so through non-salary grants provided by the government. However, such hires must sign a written declaration stating they will not seek regularisation or financial benefits in the future.
A senior secondary education officer, speaking anonymously, confirmed, “The subsidised peon role in aided institutions has been abolished. While appointments can be made through non-salary grants, it is essential to secure a written undertaking from the candidate to avoid any future legal or financial claims.”
Recruitment Autonomy Granted
The decision gives aided institutions the authority to manage their own recruitment of non-teaching staff for the time being, thereby addressing a backlog of unfilled positions and streamlining administrative operations.
Recruitment Breakdown:
Clerical Staff- 4,470
Laboratory Assistants- 1,530
Total- 6,000
This initiative is expected to provide much-needed administrative support to educational institutions while ensuring compliance with the latest staffing regulations set by the government.