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The State Environment department keeping those with an MSc or PhD degree in Environmental Science out of the process to recruit Grade I and Grade II scientists has not only irked those who missed the bus but also led to eyebrows being raised on the reason behind leaving them out.

The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) had advertised seven Grade I and Grade II scientist posts in the Environment Department on April 19 and conducted the interviews in Mumbai on October 4 and October 5.

Candidates with a masters in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics or with degrees in civil, mechanical, chemical and environmental engineering and public health and had first class were eligible if they had a minimum experience of five years. Candidates with an MSc or PhD in Environment Science were not considered eligible.

For equivalent posts in the Environment Department of the Union Government, students holding MSc and PhD degrees in Environment Science are eligible.

A candidate whose online application was rejected by the MPSC, and who did not want to be named, said, “This is ridiculous and unjust. In fact, those with a masters in Environmental Science would be the most fit for these posts. In April when the advertisement was published, we approached the department officials and handed over several written requests to them but to no avail. This only demonstrates government apathy to a subject as sensitive as environment. There’s also room for doubt that the decision was taken to favour a few candidates.”

The MPSC had received 30 applications for 2 posts Grade 1 scientist posts and 26 applications for 5 Grade II scientist posts. Six candidates were shortlisted for the Grade I posts and 12 for the Grade II post.

The interviews were held in Mumbai on October 4-5. The results are expected next week. Despite several attempts officials in the Environment Department couldn’t be reached for their comment.