The 12-day protest by Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirants in Pune ended at about 1.30 am on October 13 after the state government accepted a set of demands covering examination procedures, recruitment policy and an inquiry into alleged irregularities. The settlement also clarified that Tukaram Mundhe continues as Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner while taking on the additional role of secretary to the inquiry panel.
A five-member inquiry commission has been constituted to investigate allegations of paper leaks and other irregularities in MPSC examinations. The commission has been given two months to complete its inquiry. MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar will remain on compulsory leave until the investigation is completed, according to the information shared after negotiations with the protesters.
The inquiry may examine the functioning of the commission, including the roles of present and former chairpersons and employees at different levels. The government’s official communication accepting the protesters’ demands carries the signature of the state Chief Secretary.
Mundhe’s appointment as secretary to the inquiry panel had led to speculation that he had been transferred from the FDA. Addressing the reports, he clarified that he would continue to serve as FDA Commissioner on a full-time basis. He said the department’s work against adulterated food and substandard medicines would continue, indicating that the inquiry assignment is an additional responsibility rather than a replacement for his existing post.
The government has assured the protesters that 70,000 vacant posts will be filled over the next three years. It has also agreed to increase the number of Group C vacancies announced for recruitment in 2027. These commitments were part of the negotiations that led to the end of the agitation.
The examination process will also change. All upcoming MPSC examinations will be conducted offline, addressing candidates’ concerns about the existing system. The government has further agreed to increase the MPSC’s membership to 11, although the report does not specify when that expansion will take effect.
Changes have also been agreed for recruitment to tehsildar posts. The selection ratio will be revised from 60:40 to 50:50. For police recruitment, the state has committed to introducing a single revised syllabus across Maharashtra, a move intended to standardise the examination framework for candidates.
The settlement includes assurances on cases registered against protesters during the agitation. The government has agreed that those cases will be withdrawn. The inquiry into the MPSC’s functioning, meanwhile, is expected to establish the scope of the alleged irregularities and examine the responsibilities of officials across the commission.
The five-member panel has two months to submit its inquiry, while the recruitment and examination commitments will require subsequent administrative action by the state government and the MPSC.
