Hundreds of PwD (persons with disabilities) candidates sat on a hunger strike in front of the Commissionerate for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Maharashtra State, Pune Office, on Thursday after facing alleged injustice and irregularities in the recruitment process for Vidyut Sahayak posts in Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). Several PwD candidates have raised concerns over transparency and fairness in the hiring process.
The protesting candidates have accused the authorities of deliberately sidelining eligible PwD applicants despite them meeting all required criteria. They have also raised serious allegations that certain “bogus” candidates were selected, questioning the integrity of the entire recruitment exercise. Protesters claim that the process lacked transparency and fairness, leaving many deserving candidates without opportunities.
Mayur Sudhakar Dalke, a native of Akola, speaking to The Free Press Journal said a total of 5,347 vacancies were initiated by MSEDCL, out of which 424 seats were allotted to PwD candidates in 2023. The result was declared on July 31, 2025. "We have cleared the exam. However, we have not given appointment letters. We will remain on hunger strike till we get appointment letters," he added.
Ranjana Dhundiram Hagawane, a resident of Bhigwan, said the hunger strike will continue until their demands are fully met. "We have been studying and working in the same field and have received experience certificates as apprentices. Among us, many are the sole breadwinners for our families. The administration is giving us false hope and asking us to wait for the next vacancy, which is not fair," she added.
Meanwhile, Amodh Rameshwar Bhonde, a native of Jalna, demanded a probe into 125 people who have been selected, most of whom were allegedly given opportunities on fake handicapped certificates.
Amol Niradwar (Yavatmal), another candidate, claimed that a huge amount of corruption has occurred in the recruitment. They have requested higher officials to intervene and help them get justice.
HS Gadh, Deputy Commissioner of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Maharashtra State, said the department has given clearance from their side. "Necessary steps have been taken," he said. However, he refused to comment further on the issue. He stated that the results had already been communicated to the candidates but refrained from providing further clarification, which has only added to the discontent among protesters.
