The Maharashtra government has formed a committee to investigate alleged irregularities in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission, or MPSC, appointing FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe as its secretary. The move led candidates in Pune to end their 10-day protest on Sunday night.

The decision came after a government delegation led by minister Shivendra Raje Bhosale met the protesting candidates. The delegation told them that most of their demands had been accepted, including the creation of an inquiry committee involving senior officials.

MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar also announced that he would remain on leave until the investigation is completed. Keeping him away from the commission was a central demand of the candidates protesting in Pune.

What the committee will examine

The committee has been created to look into alleged irregularities connected with the state recruitment body and to consider changes in the MPSC. Alongside Mundhe, its members include former judge Dilip Bhosale, IPS officer Lakshmi Gautam, former IAS officer Ganesh Patil and retired judge PD Naik.

The announcement followed a period of uncertainty at the protest site. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, who was supporting the candidates, said the process of securing a resignation could take time. He proposed keeping Bhimanwar away from the chairman's until the inquiry was over.

That proposal led to confusion and differences among the protesters. Bhosale then left to convey the demand to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He returned about 15 minutes later and told the candidates that the state government had accepted their demand.

The minister appealed to the protesters to call off their agitation. After the assurance, Vivekanand Patil, one of the representatives of the MPSC candidates, said the protest had been suspended for the time being.

Other demands raised by candidates

During the meeting, Bhosale said the government would also consider the candidates' other demands. These include withdrawing cases registered against some people involved in the protest, recruiting 70 thousand people over 3 years and increasing the number of seats for the Group C examination scheduled for January.

The protest had continued in Pune for 10 days before the committee announcement and the decision concerning the MPSC chairman. The government's stated response therefore combines an inquiry mechanism, a temporary change in the chairman's availability and consideration of recruitment-related demands.

Conclusion

The Pune protest has ended for the time being after Maharashtra announced an MPSC inquiry committee, appointed Tukaram Mundhe as secretary and said Vivek Bhimanwar would remain on leave until the investigation is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why did MPSC candidates protest in Pune?

The candidates were protesting alleged irregularities in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission and raised demands concerning the commission and recruitment.

Q. Who was appointed secretary of the inquiry committee?

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe was appointed secretary.

Q. Who is included on the committee?

The committee includes Tukaram Mundhe, former judge Dilip Bhosale, IPS officer Lakshmi Gautam, former IAS officer Ganesh Patil and retired judge PD Naik.

Q. What happened to MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar?

Bhimanwar announced that he would remain on leave until the inquiry was completed.

Q. How long did the Pune protest continue?

The protest continued for 10 days before the candidates ended it.

Q. What recruitment demand did the candidates raise?

They sought recruitment to 70 thousand s over 3 years and an increase in seats for the Group C examination scheduled for January.