Pune: Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar has proceeded on leave until an inquiry into alleged question-paper leaks and recruitment irregularities is completed.
His announcement, made after midnight negotiations, led aspirants in Pune to suspend their 11-day protest early on Monday.
The candidates had demanded Bhimanwar’s resignation, an independent probe and reforms in the commission’s recruitment process. Although the government did not accept the resignation demand, it agreed that the chairman would remain away from office during the investigation.
Maharashtra has formed a high-level committee headed by former Bombay High Court Chief Justice Dilip Bhosale to examine the allegations. Senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe has been appointed its secretary, and the panel has been asked to submit its report within two months.
Following the announcements, protesters gathered near the SM Joshi Bridge called off their agitation, though their demand for the chairman’s resignation remains unmet.
Midnight Talks Bring Truce
Bhimanwar announced his decision on X after the government responded to the aspirants’ demands.
“The state government has announced a judicial inquiry into the MPSC paper leak case. Throughout my entire life, I have always prioritised ethics. Therefore, I have decided to go on leave during this period instead of continuing to serve in the post until this inquiry is completed,” he said.
The decision followed discussions among Public Works Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar, Congress leader Vishwajeet Kadam and representatives of the protesters.
The government also agreed to withdraw cases against demonstrators and increase Group C vacancies to be filled through the 2027 examination.
Panel Gets 60 Days
The Bhosale-led committee will investigate claims of leaked question papers, assess gaps in the examination process and suggest measures to strengthen the MPSC’s administrative and recruitment framework.
Apart from Justice Bhosale and Mundhe, the panel comprises former judge P D Naik, retired secretary Ganesh Patil and Inspector General of Police Lakhmi Gautam. It is expected to furnish its findings to the government within two months, as reported by The Statesman.
Probe Into Leak Claims
The five-member committee, which also includes former judge P D Naik, retired secretary Ganesh Patil and IPS officer Lakhmi Gautam, will probe the alleged leaks, identify procedural lapses and suggest reforms.
The controversy stems from the recruitment process for Drug Inspector posts. Complaints alleged that examination questions were circulated electronically before the March 22, 2026, screening test, prompting the MPSC to cancel the process.
