Maharashtra Government Forms Inquiry Committee Amid MPSC Exam Controversy

The Maharashtra government has formed a five-member inquiry committee to investigate allegations of paper leaks in the MPSC examination process. This decision follows protests from candidates demanding transparency and accountability. The committee, led by former Chief Justice Dilip Bhosale, includes notable members from various backgrounds and is tasked with submitting a report within 60 days. Meanwhile, MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar has been placed on leave until the inquiry concludes. Candidates are also pushing for the recruitment of 70,000 government positions over the next three years, amidst growing concerns about the integrity of the examination system.

By Sourabh Singh Oct 12, 2026, 21:34 IST

Formation of Inquiry Committee

In light of the ongoing issues related to the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examination, particularly concerning allegations of paper leaks, the state government has established a five-member inquiry committee. This decision comes amidst calls for accountability and the resignation of MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar.

Details of the Committee

The inquiry committee will be led by former Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Justice Dilip Bhosale, with senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe serving as the secretary. This move has led to the cessation of protests by candidates in Pune, who had been demonstrating for around 11 days.

Candidates' Demands

Protesters had been advocating for greater transparency in the examination process, addressing the paper leak issues, and the resignation of the MPSC Chairman. Following a meeting with Public Works Department Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale, the government assured the formation of the inquiry committee and the withdrawal of cases against the protesters.

Committee Composition

The committee includes notable members such as former Judge P.D. Naik, former IAS officer Ganesh Patil, and IPS officer Lakshmi Gautam. They are tasked with investigating the alleged irregularities in MPSC recruitment exams and must submit their findings within 60 days.

Chairman's Leave

In response to the demands for his removal, the government has opted to place MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar on compulsory leave until the inquiry concludes. Bhimanwar has publicly stated his commitment to ethics and his decision to step away during the investigation.

Recruitment Demands

During the protests, candidates also called for the recruitment of 70,000 government positions over the next three years. They urged the state to increase vacancies for the upcoming Group-C examination and to review the past records of the MPSC leadership prior to their appointments. The government has indicated its intention to fulfill the recruitment demand, but a clear plan for implementation is necessary.

Escalating Controversy

The dissatisfaction among candidates surged following allegations of a paper leak during the Drug Inspector recruitment exam held on March 22, 2026. After the results were announced in July, the MPSC canceled the recruitment process for these positions, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the examination system.