Maharashtra Govt Reserves 70% of Bank Jobs for Locals — Fadnavis Government’s ‘Masterstroke’ Ahead of Elections

Mumbai: In a major pre-election move, the Maharashtra government has announced that 70% of jobs in all District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) will now be reserved for local residents of the respective districts. The remaining 30% of posts will be open to candidates from other regions of the state.

The decision, which comes just ahead of the much-awaited local body elections, is being seen as a significant step by the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government to boost local employment and strengthen grassroots economic participation. The new rule will apply to all 31 DCCBs across Maharashtra.

Recruitment Only Through Authorized Agencies

The government has also directed that all future recruitments in DCCBs must be conducted through recognized and transparent testing agencies — such as the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), TCS iON (Tata Consultancy Services), or the Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL).
This, officials said, will ensure transparency, fairness, and credibility in the recruitment process.

70% Local Quota — 100% Opportunity for Domicile Candidates

As per the Government Resolution (GR) issued on October 31, 70% of vacancies will be reserved for candidates who are domiciled in the same district, while 30% will remain open for candidates from other parts of the state.

However, the GR also clarifies that if suitable candidates from outside districts are unavailable, those positions may also be filled by local applicants, effectively increasing local representation to 100%.

Importantly, the order will also apply to banks that have already issued recruitment advertisements prior to the notification.

Political and Administrative Significance

Officials noted that the decision is likely to have far-reaching political and social implications, as it directly addresses local employment concerns at a time when Maharashtra awaits local body polls after a long delay.
By linking recruitment with digital and transparent systems, the Fadnavis government aims to restore public trust in cooperative institutions while empowering district-level economies.

Analysts see this as a strategic masterstroke by the government — combining administrative reform with electoral timing.

— Reported by SD News Bureau, Mumbai