Pune : Villagers from Khodad have raised serious objections over the recent job recruitment process conducted by the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) and the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), alleging irregularities and lack of transparency. The locals have demanded that the recruitment process be scrapped and conducted afresh in a fair and transparent manner.
In June 2024, GMRT had published a job advertisement for various positions. A written examination for 38 different posts was recently held. Several local candidates from Khodad had applied for these posts, but they encountered several questionable practices during the exam, which led to widespread discontent among the village residents.
In response, the villagers submitted a formal memorandum to the GMRT administration on Wednesday, highlighting their concerns and demands. Following this, a meeting was held on Thursday afternoon at the village panchayat hall in Khodad. The meeting was attended by GMRT Centre Director Professor Yashwant Gupta, Administrative Officer Abhijit Jondhale, and Khodad villagers. Assistant Police Inspector Mahadev Shelar from Narayangaon Police Station played a key role in facilitating coordination between the villagers and the GMRT officials.
Also present at the meeting were Sarpanch Manisha Gulve and Deputy Sarpanch Shubhangi Kale. Other participants included Professor Radhakrishna Gaikwad, Indrabhan Gaikwad, Shivaji Kharmale, Jalandar Dongre, Yogesh Shinde, Navnath Pokharkar, Santosh Kale, and Pankaj Kuchik.
Assurance of Justice for Locals
Khodad has played a significant role in supporting the GMRT project over the years. Acknowledging this, GMRT Centre Director Prof. Yashwant Gupta assured the villagers that every effort would be made to ensure justice for local candidates. He promised that the concerns raised would be addressed, and an inquiry into the current recruitment process would be initiated.
He further stated that the demands of the Khodad villagers would be conveyed to the Directorate of Atomic Energy, and an opinion would be sought on whether to halt the current recruitment process. Prof. Gupta also assured that all future recruitment activities would be conducted transparently, subject to approval from higher authorities.
The villagers have expressed hope that their grievances will be taken seriously and that appropriate steps will be taken to ensure fairness in the hiring process.
