Fadnavis proposes panel to probe conduct of former, current MPSC members
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has recommended setting up a committee to examine the conduct of former and incumbent chairpersons and members of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) amid allegations of examination paper leaks, sources said on Tuesday.
Fadnavis has sent the recommendation to Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, according to the sources.
The proposal comes as MPSC aspirants continue to protest over alleged irregularities in the functioning of the commission and controversies related to examinations.
The chief minister has proposed that the committee be headed by a retired High Court judge and submit its report within three months. Further action should be taken based on the committee's findings, the sources said.
The recommendation has been made under Article 317 of the Constitution, which deals with the removal and suspension of chairpersons and members of public service commissions.
Protests demanding the resignation of MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar have continued in Pune for six days and received support from various quarters. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi is likely to meet the protesting aspirants on October 7 or 8.
The protesters have raised several demands, including whether MPSC examinations should follow an objective or descriptive format. However, their primary demand is the resignation of Bhimanwar.
The Maharashtra government has also terminated the deputation of Mahendra Uttamrao Harpalkar as secretary of the MPSC.
Following a meeting between a delegation of MPSC aspirants and Fadnavis, the state government had said on September 30 that a judicial inquiry would be conducted within three months into the functioning of former and incumbent MPSC chairpersons and members. The inquiry was sought by the aspirants and is to be conducted under Article 317 of the Constitution. (with inputs of PTI)
