This is an archive article published on March 8, 2024
Eligibility rules bypassed, government appoints Sena leader Kadam’s son as MPCB chairman
Under the existing rules, only a person with 25 years of experience in matters related to environmental protection or having experience in institutions dealing with the matters relating to environmental protection can be appointed to the post.
The Maharashtra Govern-ment appointed Siddhesh Kadam, son of Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam, the new chairman of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).
Under the existing rules, only a person with 25 years of experience in matters related to environmental protection or having experience in institutions dealing with the matters relating to environmental protection can be appointed to the post.
Kadam is 41 years old and is the younger son of Ramdas Kadam who was the state’s former Environment Minister under the under the previous BJP-Shiv Sena government.
Ramdas Kadam Thursday had lashed out at the BJP alleging that it was shortchanging the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the seat sharing talks for the Lok Sabha elections.
The Maharashtra government on March 6 issued a gazette notification removing the previous incumbent IAS officer A L Jarhad from the post, citing “the chairman is absent for a long period without any reason from the office”.
Jarhad was appointed the MPCB chairman on September 7, 2021.
The notification mentions that “in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 4 and sub-section (3) and (6) of section 5 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and in pursuance of rule 3 of the Maharashtra Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1983” Kadam has been nominated as the chairman of the board.
On March 18, 2021, the Maharashtra Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) (First Amendment) Rules, 2021 were notified specifying the eligibility criteria for the appointment of chairman.
The rules setting eligibility for the post mandate “twenty five years of experience in respect of matters relating to environmental protection or in administering institutions dealing with the matters relating to environmental protection on the senior managerial post”.
In case of government officials being appointed at the place, the rules said: “He is or has been in Indian Administrative Service, who is holding or has held the post in the rank of the Secretary or above, and possesses a Degree in Science or Engineering and has knowledge in respect of matters relating to environment protection and experience in administering institutions or Departments of the Central Government or State Government or Public Sector Undertakings dealing with the matters relating to environmental protection.”
About the education qualification, the rules mandate holding a Master’s Degree in Science relating to Environment or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering in a discipline relating to Environment or Civil or Chemical from a recognized University or Institute.
One of the former MPCB chairmen on the condition of anonymity said that the Supreme Court has set guidelines with regard to the appointments on such important posts.
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“We cannot neglect it. There was a case against the previous chairman as well over the eligibility criteria and same may happen here as well,” he said.
Siddhesh Kadam said that the government knows better than any of us.
“The government had sought all the papers from me before appointing me. My appointment would not have happened had I not fulfilled the criteria for this post. It is the government which takes the decision and it knows better than any of us,” he said.
Kadam added that he is not only a science graduate and have masters degree but has worked on environmental issues in India as well as abroad.
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Neither the Chief Minister’s office nor the environment department responded to the query regarding the issue despite repeated calls and message. When contacted, Chief Secretary Nitin Kareer said that he is currently out of town and is not aware of the development.
Alok Deshpande is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized for his focused and authoritative reporting on governance, politics, and the socio-economic dynamics of Maharashtra's hinterlands. His unique academic background in Geology and early work in the water sector provides a specialized layer of Expertise to his reporting on resource and environmental issues.
Expertise
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai.
Core Authority: Alok provides detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, with a particular emphasis on how policies and power struggles affect the rural and semi-urban areas (the 'hinterlands').
Key Coverage Areas: His reports frequently focus on high-stakes administrative and political topics, including:
State Assembly Proceedings: In-depth reporting on the Legislative Assembly, covering ministerial statements, legislative debates, and inter-party conflict within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Policy & Finance: Coverage of state finances, including supplementary budget demands, fiscal deficits, and major government schemes (e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission, Ladki Bahin Yojana).
Rural and Social Issues: Reports on critical health issues (e.g., child deaths in districts), human-animal conflict (leopard attacks, stray dogs), and agrarian concerns (e.g., farmer suicides).
Local and Urban Governance: Covers major announcements regarding urban development (e.g., BMC's OC amnesty scheme, pagdi system push) and local body elections, including political defections and alliance splits.
Unique Credentials & Trustworthiness
Academic Specialization: Holds a Post-graduate degree in Geology. This background gives him a foundational understanding of natural resources, which directly informs his reporting on environment, water, and infrastructure projects.
Early Professional Experience: His shift to journalism came after working with an NGO focused on the water sector. This practical experience strengthens his Expertise in critical areas like water management and rural development, as evidenced by his reporting on the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Journalism Training: An alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, confirming his formal training and commitment to rigorous journalistic standards.
Alok Deshpande's rare combination of scientific education, non-profit sector experience, and deep political reporting makes him a highly trusted and authoritative voice on the governance and ground realities of Maharashtra.
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