The Maharashtra government has appointed senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe as the secretary of a newly formed five-member committee. This panel is tasked with investigating alleged irregularities within the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC), including a suspected question paper leak that has sparked widespread protests.
Committee Formed Amidst Aspirant Protests
The establishment of this committee comes in response to ongoing agitation by MPSC aspirants in Pune. Protesters, gathered at SM Joshi Bridge, have been demanding accountability and significant reforms in the state’s recruitment procedures. Maharashtra minister Shivendraraje Bhosale announced the committee’s formation following a meeting with the protesting candidates.
The five-member committee is headed by retired judge Dilip Bhosale. Alongside Tukaram Mundhe, other distinguished members include IPS officer Laxmi Gautam, former IAS officer Ganesh Patil, and retired judge P D Naik.
Aspirants Demand Transparency and Reforms
The government's decision to form this investigative body follows approximately ten days of sustained protests. MPSC aspirants have put forth several key demands:
- A thorough investigation into the alleged paper leak.
- Prompt action against those found responsible for the irregularities.
- Comprehensive reforms to ensure fair and transparent recruitment processes.
- Withdrawal of cases registered against representatives involved in the agitation.
- Filling of 70,000 vacant government posts over the next three years.
- An increase in the number of vacancies for the Group-C examination, scheduled for January.
These demands highlight deep concerns over the commission's administration and call for greater accountability from senior officials, putting significant pressure on the state government to address the allegations and restore confidence among job seekers.
MPSC Chairman Goes on Leave
Amidst the growing controversy and calls for his removal, MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar announced his decision to proceed on leave. He stated that he would remain on leave until the inquiry into the alleged paper leak is completed. In a statement posted on social media, Bhimanwar emphasized his lifelong commitment to ethics, asserting that the commission’s autonomy, credibility, and the interests of students remain his foremost priorities during this period.
Political Support for the Probe
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar has extended his support to the protesting aspirants and welcomed the inclusion of Tukaram Mundhe in the committee. Pawar expressed hopes that the committee would be granted the necessary independence to conduct its work effectively and impartially.