Panvel: Sunita Parche, a sanitation worker formerly employed by the Panvel Municipal Council and later the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC), took voluntary retirement on March 10, 2025. Following an order from Commissioner and Administrator Mangesh Chitale and based on the recommendation of the Lad-Page Committee, her son, Vijay Parche, was considered for immediate employment.
The Lad-Page Committee, a long-standing body addressing employment security for municipal workers, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, plays a crucial role in ensuring fair opportunities for the heirs of retiring or deceased employees. The committee’s recommendations emphasize the need for a seamless transition of employment within families, particularly for those engaged in essential civic services such as sanitation. By facilitating compassionate appointments, the committee aims to prevent financial instability for families who rely on government service income.
According to a senior civic official, the Lad-Page Committee’s guidelines state that in cases of an employee’s death, permanent disability, or voluntary retirement, one dependent family member—typically a spouse or child—may be offered employment, provided they meet eligibility criteria such as age and basic educational qualifications. This policy is particularly significant for sanitation workers, who often face precarious working conditions and limited alternative employment opportunities.
Acting on these provisions, Chitale handed over Vijay Parche’s appointment letter on April 2. “PMC has always maintained a supportive and compassionate approach toward its employees,” Chitale stated, emphasizing that the corporation’s swift action in this case underscores its commitment, particularly to sanitation workers. He further noted that such initiatives not only provide financial security to workers’ families but also contribute to the uninterrupted delivery of essential municipal services.
The Lad-Page Committee’s policy has been instrumental in providing stability to thousands of municipal workers across the state, ensuring that their families do not face sudden economic hardships due to unforeseen circumstances. The PMC’s prompt execution of this recommendation highlights its dedication to the welfare of its employees and their families.
