The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirants ended their ten-day protest late on Sunday night following the state government’s establishment of a committee to investigate alleged irregularities, including paper leaks, within the recruitment body. The protestors had been advocating for an inquiry, reforms within the commission, and the resignation of MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar.

In response to the government’s commitment, Bhimanwar announced his decision to take leave until the inquiry concludes. Vivekanad Patil, a representative of the aspirants, confirmed that the agitation had been temporarily suspended as the government conceded to several of their demands.

A government delegation led by Minister Shivendra Raje Bhosale met with the protestors, informing them that their request for an investigative committee had been granted. The committee will be chaired by former judge Dilip Bhosale and include senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe as secretary, alongside IPS officer Laxmi Gautam and former IAS officer Ganesh Patil, as well as retired judge P.D. Naik.

Confusion Arises over Bhimanwar’s Position

While the protestors had been primarily demanding the removal of Bhimanwar, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar suggested that the chairman be suspended from his position until the inquiry is completed, leading to differing opinions among the protestors. Some agreed, while others insisted that they would not retract their stance without Bhimanwar’s removal.

Amid this uncertainty, Bhosale assured the protestors that he would communicate with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis concerning their demands. After approximately 15 minutes, he returned with news that the government had accepted their request, prompting Bhosale to encourage the participants to cease their protest.

Following this development, Patil confirmed the decision to withdraw the agitation temporarily. Bhosale also indicated that other significant demands would be addressed, including withdrawing cases filed against some protest representatives, recruitment for 70,000 positions over the next three years, increasing the number of seats in the upcoming Group C examination scheduled for January, and conducting background checks on the chairman and secretary of the MPSC prior to their appointments.

Wider Implications and Community Concerns

Pawar expressed his approval of Mundhe’s appointment to the committee, stating, “We hope the committee will have the freedom to work properly.” Earlier that day, he had urged the government to clarify its position regarding Bhimanwar, emphasising that nearly 25 lakh students were indirectly impacted by the situation. He requested Fadnavis to prioritise the concerns of these aspirants over personal relationships with the MPSC chairman.

Representatives of the protesting students submitted a document outlining proposed reforms intended to improve the commission, which was endorsed by the students. Pawar alleged that the government had been neglecting the concerns of the students, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and warned that the protests could escalate if more people joined in support.

In a statement on X, Bhimanwar confirmed the government’s announcement of a judicial inquiry into the MPSC paper leak case. He stated his commitment to ethics and stated that he would take leave during the inquiry. Just two days before the protest’s conclusion, Pune Police had registered cases against 15 representatives for allegedly conducting the protest unlawfully, as well as against five individuals for reportedly operating a drone at the location.

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