Thousands march in Pune, seek MPSC chief’s resignation over paper leak

On Monday, tens of thousands of individuals gathered in Pune, demanding the resignation of Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) Chairperson Vivek Bhimanwar and a series of reforms following recent paper-leak controversies. The protest commenced at Omkareshwar Temple and concluded at the District Collectorate, where protesters presented a list of their demands to the local authority.

Following the leak scandal in August, the MPSC suspended the recruitment process for Drug Inspector and Group-B positions in the Food and Drug Administration department. This decision was made months after the examination had taken place.

Nitin Andhale, a key organizer of the demonstration, emphasized the need to curb corruption that threatened the prospects of diligent students who had invested years in their education. He urged the state government to compel the MPSC Chairperson and other implicated officials to step down and commissioned an independent judicial inquiry into the matter.

"It is unacceptable that students must protest in the streets rather than focusing on their studies or employment," said Baramati MP Supriya Sule, who also participated in the rally.

Notably, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar and Congress MLA Vishwajeet Kadam accompanied the demonstration. Pawar called upon the government to promptly address the students' concerns, conduct a comprehensive review of the MPSC's operations, which had become rife with corruption, and appoint an incorruptible leader to revitalize the commission.

Akshay Jain, president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Congress’s Media Department, questioned the MPSC's purpose, asking, "Is the Commission meant to administer examinations or to test the patience of students? We seek answers, not empty assurances."

In response to the allegations, MPSC Chairperson Vivek Bhimanwar asserted that the Commission and the state government had independently established high-level committees to prevent future occurrences. A police investigation was also initiated in regard to the paper leak. Bhimanwar expressed deep distress over the ongoing personal and politically motivated attacks on his character.

Despite clarifying the facts, he vowed to remain in his position if presented with sufficient evidence. He also highlighted the numerous reforms he had overseen since taking office, including conducting a total of 84 examinations, consisting of eight competitive tests and 76 screening assessments for direct recruitment. However, he firmly stated that any corroborating evidence against him would force him to resign immediately.

Several individuals, including MPSC officials, have already been apprehended in connection with the paper-leak case.