22 October,2026 10:49 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) member Satish Baban Waghole has been given additional charge as the commission's chairperson during the leave of incumbent Vivek Bhimanwar, who has faced criticism from civil services aspirants over alleged examination paper leaks and irregularities.
The Maharashtra government's General Administration Department issued a notification on October 16, appointing Waghole to hold the additional charge with effect from the same date.
Waghole's appointment comes amid growing discontent among MPSC aspirants over the functioning of the state recruitment body. Bhimanwar proceeded on leave after announcing that he would remain away until an inquiry into the alleged irregularities was completed.
The allegations have prompted demands for greater transparency in recruitment examinations and accountability within the commission.
Earlier this month, MPSC aspirants staged a 10-day protest in Pune, demanding action over alleged examination irregularities and seeking Bhimanwar's removal as chairperson.
The protesters raised concerns about the examination process and demanded measures to ensure fairness in recruitment conducted by the commission.
Their demands included the withdrawal of cases registered against some representatives of the agitation and an expansion of recruitment opportunities in state government departments.
Following the agitation, the Maharashtra government formed a committee to investigate alleged irregularities, including examination paper leaks.
The committee is headed by senior Indian Administrative Service officer Tukaram Mundhe, who serves as secretary. Officials said the inquiry would also examine the tenures of the current and previous chairpersons and members of the state recruitment body.
The probe is expected to examine the allegations raised by aspirants and assess the functioning of the commission over the periods under review.
Apart from seeking Bhimanwar's removal, the aspirants have demanded recruitment to 70,000 posts over three years.
They have also called for an increase in the number of vacancies for the Group C examination scheduled for January. The protesters have sought background checks on candidates appointed as MPSC chairperson and secretary before they assume office.
The government-ordered inquiry comes as the MPSC faces calls to address allegations of irregularities and restore confidence among candidates preparing for competitive examinations.
Bhimanwar has said he will remain on leave until the inquiry is completed. Waghole will hold the chairperson's additional charge during this period, according to the government's notification.
(With inputs from PTI)
