Tukaram Mundhe Assigned Role in MPSC Dispute; Recruitment for 70,000 Posts Demanded

Amidst the controversy surrounding the MPSC examination process—specifically regarding paper leaks and demands for action and the resignation of MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar—the state government has constituted a five-member inquiry committee.

The state government has formed a five-member inquiry committee amidst the ongoing dispute regarding paper leaks and other issues concerning the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) recruitment exams. Senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe has been appointed as the committee’s secretary, while former Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Justice Dilip Bhosale, will chair it. Following this government decision, candidates who had been protesting in Pune for approximately 11 days called off their agitation.

The candidates had been demanding transparency in the examination process, action regarding paper leaks, and the resignation of MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar. On Sunday, Public Works Department Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale met with the protesting students and leaders who had come to support them. Following the discussions, the government assured them that an inquiry committee would be formed and cases registered against the agitators would be withdrawn.

Members of the Committee

In addition to Tukaram Mundhe, the committee formed to investigate MPSC’s functioning and alleged irregularities in recruitment exams includes former Judge P.D. Naik, former IAS officer Ganesh Patil, and IPS officer Lakshmi Gautam. The committee is required to submit its report to the government within two months (60 days). It will investigate allegations of paper leaks in MPSC exams, review the Commission’s operations, identify flaws in the examination process, and suggest necessary reforms. Tukaram Mundhe currently serves as the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration in Maharashtra.

Chairman to Remain on Leave Until Inquiry Concludes

One of the candidates’ key demands was the removal of MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar from his post. Instead of removing him immediately, the government has decided to send him on compulsory leave until the inquiry is completed. Bhimanwar has also announced via social media that he is going on leave. He stated that he has always prioritized ethics throughout his life; therefore, rather than remaining in his post while the investigation is underway, he decided to take leave.

Demand for recruitment to 70,000 posts over 3 years

During the agitation, candidates demanded that vacant government posts in Maharashtra be filled. They have demanded that the state government recruit for 70,000 posts over the next three years. Additionally, demands were made to increase the number of vacancies for the Group-C examination scheduled for January and to scrutinize the past records of the MPSC Chairperson and Secretary before their appointments. Reports indicate that the government has assured recruitment for 70,000 posts. However, a detailed roadmap for recruitment and a process for implementing these demands will be essential.

Controversy escalates following the Inspector exam

Candidate dissatisfaction regarding the MPSC intensified following allegations of a paper leak during the Drug Inspector recruitment examination. This exam was held on March 22, 2026. The controversy surfaced after the results were declared in July and the interview process had progressed. Subsequently, the Commission cancelled the recruitment process for Drug Inspector (Group B) posts in the Food and Drug Administration Department. This incident raised questions regarding the transparency of the examination system and the credibility of the Commission.