In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution of India and in supersession of all existing rules, orders and instruments made in this behalf, the Governor of Maharashtra is hereby pleased to make the following rules regulating recruitment to the post of circle officer (Grade `C’ ) in the Revenue and Forest Department of the Government of Maharashtra namely :-

1. (I) These rules may be called the Maharashtra Revenue Department Circle Officer (Recruitment ) Rules, 1996:

(ii) These shall be deemed to have come into force with effect from the 15^th October 1994.

2. In these rules, unless the centext requires otherwise-

1. "Commission" means the Maharashtra Public Service Commission ;
2. "Circle Inspector" includes the holder of the post of Circle Inspector in Konkan Division Nashik Division, Pune Division and Aurangabad Division and also the holder of the post of Revenue Inspector in Nagpur Division and Amravati Division, on or prior to the 15^th October 1994;
3. "Circle Officer" Means the holder of the post of circle Officer ;
4. "Collector" means the Collector of a District Appointed under section 7 of the Maharashtra Lands Revenue Qualifying Examination ;
5. "Qualified Person" Means a person who has passed or who has been exempted from passing the Revenue Qualifying Examination ;
6. "Revenue Qualifying Examination means the Examination prescribed for promotion to the post of Circle Officer or Awal Karkun or any other examination as may be prescribed by Government for the said purpose from time to time ;
7. "Revenue Department" means the Revenue Department of Government;
8. "Government" means the Government of Maharashtra ; and
9. "Secondary School Certificate Examination" means the Secondary School Certificate Examination conducted by a Divisional Board under the Maharashtra Secondary Education Board 1965 (MAH.XLI of 1965 and includes any other examination declared by Government to be equivalent thereon;
10. "Talathi" means the holder of the post of "Talathi".

1. Appointment to the holder of the post of Circle Officer shall made either

1. by promotion of a qualified person on the basis of seniority subject to fitness from amongst persons holding the post of Talathi, having not less than three years regular service in that Cadre:

Provided however, the Talathis who were not required to appear for the Revenue Qualifying Examination as per rules in force, shall also be considered for promotion subject to their passing the revenue Qualifying Examination within three years form the date of promotion or on or before the 31^st December 1999, Whichever is later, or they being exempted from passing the said examination ; or

2. by transfer of suitable persons holding the posts of Awal Karkun to the extent as may be prescribed by Government by executive orders :

Provided further, that the Circle Inspector or Revenue Inspector who has been accommodated on the upgraded posts of Circle Officers with effect from the 15^th October 1994 shall also be required to pass the revenue Qualifying Examination on or before 31^st December 1999;

3. Those who fail to pass the revenue Qualifying examination on or before 31^st December 1999 shall not be entitled to any annual increment till passing of the said examination or till he or she is exempted passing the said examination.

1. The Cards of Circle Officer shall be a district level cadre.
2. The Collector shall be the appointing authority in respect of the cadre of Circle Officer in each District.
3. Notwithstanding the provision of clause 1 (ii) the appointment made to the posts of Circle Officers till 21^st October 1994 in accordance with the Recruitment rules framed under Government Notification No. RCT. 1080/CR. 366/E-7, dated the 18^th February 1986, shall be deemed to be valid.

By order and in the name of the Governor of Maharashtra,

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Reference: Government of Maharashtra Revenue And Forests Department
Mantralaya, Mumbai 400 032, No. SRV. 1494/CR-863/(II)/E-7.

Dated 27^th November 1996. Govt. Gazette, Extra Ordinary Part IV,

Page -372- 373 dated 27^th November 1996.

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