Tukaram Mundhe-Led Panel to Probe MPSC Irregularities Under Past and Present Chiefs
Maharashtra has formed a five-member committee to investigate alleged paper leaks and irregularities in MPSC examinations. The inquiry will examine the tenures of current and former commission officials following a 10-day protest by aspirants in Pune.
The Maharashtra government has formed a five-member committee to investigate alleged paper leaks and irregularities in Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examinations. The inquiry will cover the tenures of both current and former chairpersons and members.
Senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe has been named secretary of the panel, which will be headed by former judge Dilip Bhosale. Other members include IPS officer Laxmi Gautam, former IAS officer Ganesh Patil and retired judge P D Naik.
The panel was announced after MPSC aspirants staged a 10-day protest at SM Joshi Bridge in Pune, demanding action over examination irregularities and reforms to the recruitment process. The protesters called off their agitation following the government's announcement.
MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar has proceeded on leave until the inquiry is completed. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the committee would investigate allegations spanning the tenures of current and former officials.
If the inquiry establishes misconduct by the chairperson, the state government may send its recommendation to the President under Article 317 of the Constitution, which governs the removal and suspension of Public Service Commission members.
The government has also assured aspirants that their wider demands will be considered. These include withdrawing cases against some protest representatives, filling 70,000 vacancies over three years and increasing seats in the Group C examination scheduled for January.
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar welcomed Mundhe's inclusion, expressing hope that the investigation would remain transparent and independent.
