The Thane Municipal Corporation additional commissioner post has been assigned to Dr Nitin Rathod on deputation for three years, according to a government order issued by Maharashtra’s Urban Development Department on September 4.
Rathod, an orthopaedic specialist and Group A officer from the Public Health Department, will take charge after being formally relieved from his parent department. The appointment was made under Section 39-A of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act.
The post had been vacant since August 31, when Manish Joshi retired. The vacancy had drawn attention because the additional commissioner plays a central role in coordinating municipal departments, reviewing important civic projects and handling administrative responsibilities in the commissioner’s absence.
According to the report, Rathod is currently working as a special officer to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. His appointment to a senior post in the Thane civic administration has therefore prompted discussion in political and administrative circles. The government order, however, specifies the deputation terms and does not indicate any change to the statutory responsibilities of the post.
Rathod’s deputation is for three years, subject to conditions set out in the order. The state government may recall him before the completion of the term if his services are considered necessary in the public interest. The borrowing organisation may also return him to his parent department if his services are no longer required.
If Rathod chooses to return to his original department, he will be required to provide the government with at least three months’ written notice. His formal assumption of charge at the Thane Municipal Corporation will follow his release from the Public Health Department.
