The Maharashtra government on Friday assigned the additional charge of Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) chairman to commission member Satish Waghole, following the incumbent chairman’s decision to go on leave amid an inquiry into alleged examination paper leaks.
The General Administration Department issued an order appointing Waghole to the additional role. The government also assigned the additional charge of MPSC secretary to Saurabh Katiyar, the Mumbai Suburban district collector.
“MPSC member Satish Baban Waghole has been handed the additional charge as MPSC Chairman. Concurrently, Saurabh Katiyar (IAS), currently serving as the District Collector of Mumbai Suburban, has been assigned the additional charge of MPSC Secretary,” the order said.
MPSC leadership changes amid paper leak inquiry
The chairman’s post fell vacant after Vivek Bhimanwar went on leave following the announcement of a proposed inquiry committee headed by retired Justice Dilip Bhosale to investigate the alleged MPSC examination paper leak case.
The committee has been given two months to complete its inquiry. According to the information provided in the government announcement, the formal notification for the committee will be issued after approval from the Governor, after which it will begin its work.
The government is expected to consider the committee’s findings before deciding on further action. The interim arrangement for the chairman’s post comes as the inquiry process is being set in motion.
Secretary’s additional charge assigned earlier
Katiyar’s appointment as MPSC secretary followed the transfer of former secretary Mahendra Harpalkar amid student protests over alleged leaks in recruitment examination papers.
Competitive examination aspirants staged an 11-day protest in Pune, demanding an independent investigation, greater transparency in the commission’s examination procedures and accountability from its senior leadership.
The agitation focused on alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, including the Drug Inspector examination held in March. Students had also demanded the resignation of the commission’s leadership.
Inquiry to examine alleged examination irregularities
The state government’s decision to arrange an inquiry followed sustained protests by aspirants seeking action over the alleged paper leaks. The proposed investigation is expected to examine the allegations and recommend measures to address concerns about the commission’s functioning.
Bhimanwar had said he was going on leave while the inquiry was underway, stating that he had always prioritised ethics in his professional life.
(With inputs from IANS)
