Synopsis
On March 24, the Maharashtra government introduced a bill to regulate private placement agencies, aiming to ensure transparency and protect job seekers from exploitation. The legislation includes provisions for registration, penalties for violations, and initiatives to enhance collaboration between stakeholders in the job market.Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra introduces a bill for private placement agency regulation.
- Seeks to protect job seekers from fraud and exploitation.
- Prohibits placement without valid registration certificates.
- Includes penalties for non-compliance and violations.
- Encourages job fairs and collaboration with registered agencies.
Mumbai, March 24 (NationPress) The Maharashtra government has put forth a bill aimed at overseeing private placement agencies that facilitate job placements for seekers. This initiative is designed to enhance transparency, protect the interests of job seekers, and shield them from exploitation and deceitful practices.
The proposed legislation is titled the Maharashtra Private Placement Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2025.
This bill has been introduced in light of the growing involvement of private placement agencies in the job market, especially since these agencies have increasingly complemented traditional employment avenues and are viewed as essential contributors to innovative Human Resource management strategies that can improve job opportunities.
The legislation seeks to bar private placement agencies from engaging in job placement activities without a legitimate registration certificate. Additionally, it provides for the cancellation or suspension of such certificates if there is any misrepresentation, concealment of crucial facts, or breaches of legal provisions.
Moreover, the bill aims to establish a protocol for appeals against decisions made by the Registering Authority. It also proposes the creation of a State Controlling and Monitoring Authority to oversee the enforcement of these regulations, along with local offices assisting private placement agencies in identifying and mobilizing job seekers.
To ensure compliance, the bill outlines penalties for private placement agencies that operate without a valid registration certificate.
Additionally, it encourages organizing job fairs, career guidance sessions, counseling workshops, and seminars in conjunction with registered private placement agencies to enhance job placements. This effort aims to foster better collaboration between government bodies, job seekers, and employers, ultimately leading to improved skill matching and employment opportunities both domestically and internationally.
The proposed legislation includes a penalty of imprisonment for up to three years and a fine that may reach Rs 1 lakh for violations related to placement activities as per Section 3.
In cases of non-compliance, violators could incur fines ranging from a minimum of Rs 50,000 to a maximum of Rs 3 lakh.
If a private placement agency's offense is found to be committed with the consent, connivance, or neglect of any director, manager, secretary, or other officers, they will be held accountable and subject to prosecution under the law.
