The Maharashtra government on Tuesday ended a delay of nearly two-and-a-half years by approving the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Fire and Emergency Services Department Service Entry (Classification, Recruitment and Promotion) Rules, 2026. This approval paves the way for recruitment to 350 vacant posts in the fire department.
Manpower Shortage Addressed
The department currently operates 12 fire stations with only 119 permanent employees and officers, despite an approved staffing strength of 870 posts for 13 fire stations. The new rules are expected to provide much-needed manpower to address this acute shortage.
Recruitment Process Revamped
Based on the Urban Development Department's government resolution (GR), the NMC commissioner will now issue a circular initiating the recruitment process. Officials confirmed that the recruitment exercise launched in December 2023 will be treated as cancelled, and a fresh process will be undertaken under the newly approved rules.
Key Changes in Physical Eligibility for Women
One of the significant changes pertains to physical eligibility criteria for women candidates. Previously, applicants were required to have a minimum height of 162 cm and weight of 50 kg. Under the revised rules, the minimum height has been reduced to 157 cm and weight to 46 kg. This change is expected to widen the pool of eligible candidates.
Chief Fire Officer Tushar Barahate welcomed the decision and stated that the revised rules would help address the department's acute manpower shortage. He expressed hope that the recruitment process could be completed within two to three months. The recruitment is likely to be conducted through TCS, he added.
Timeline of the Recruitment Delay
- May 13, 2016: Staffing pattern of 870 posts approved for 13 fire stations.
- December 5, 2023: Recruitment advertisement issued.
- December 2023: Recruitment process stalled over physical eligibility criteria for women candidates.
- July 18, 2024: Proposal for amendments to service rules sent to Urban Development Department.
- January 2025: Revised recruitment rules proposal submitted.
- June 2025 to January 2026: Multiple rounds of correspondence between NMC and the state government.
- June 9, 2026: State government grants final approval to revised recruitment and promotion rules.
This approval marks a crucial step in strengthening the fire and emergency services in Nagpur, ensuring better safety and response capabilities for the city.
