Tukaram Mundhe gets key role in MPSC reform panel, Students End 10-Day Protests

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Mumbai: The Maharashtra government agreed to appoint senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe as secretary of the inquiry commission set up to investigate alleged irregularities in Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) recruitment examinations. Following which, MPSC aspirants protesting in Pune have called off their 10-day protests.

Subsequently, Maharashtra Public Service Commission Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar announced that he had proceeded on leave till the inquiry was completed. However, the state government has not removed Bhimanwar from his post.

The decision comes amid allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in MPSC recruitment examinations. The aspirants had been protesting in Pune for around 11 days, demanding accountability and the chairman’s resignation.

The state government has agreed to constitute a five-member high-level inquiry commission to examine the matter. Former judge Dilip Bhosale will head the commission, while Mundhe, currently serving as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), will handle its secretarial responsibilities.

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The five-member commission has been asked to submit its report within 60 days. Its findings could be significant in determining the next steps in the matter.

The MPSC chairman’s position is a constitutional post. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier clarified that neither the state government nor the Governor could directly remove the chairman.

As per Article 317 of the Constitution, the procedure for removing the chairperson and members of a Public Service Commission. Any action against Bhimanwar would therefore have to follow the prescribed constitutional process.

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