Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 1: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday met a delegation of Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirants and announced a series of measures addressing their concerns over recruitment, examination procedures and the functioning of the commission.

Following the meeting, student representatives temporarily suspended their planned protest scheduled for October 2. The government said the measures were aimed at addressing concerns raised by aspirants over the recruitment process and examination system.

The state government has decided to initiate a judicial inquiry into the functioning of former and incumbent MPSC chairpersons and members. Fadnavis said the state government cannot directly remove a chairperson or member from the constitutional post, with the procedure governed by Article 317 of the Constitution.

The inquiry is expected to be completed within three months, after which further statutory action will be considered based on its findings. The government has also approved the immediate transfer of MPSC Secretary Mahendra Harpalkar.

On the examination pattern, Fadnavis assured the aspirants that MPSC competitive examinations would continue to be conducted in offline mode. The government also said no change in the examination mode would be introduced without prior consultation with aspirants and other stakeholders.

The government said recruitment rules had been completed for around 60 per cent of departments, while work on the remaining departments was continuing. The state also cited long-pending recruitment rules and promotions as factors behind the recruitment backlog.

The government has agreed to increase the number of vacancies for the Group C examination scheduled for January 3. It also plans to introduce a centralised system allowing candidates to appear for multiple competitive examinations using a single card.

A digital repository will also be created to reduce the need for candidates to repeatedly upload the same documents while applying for different examinations. The government further plans to release a three-year recruitment roadmap and begin recruitment a year in advance for posts expected to become vacant due to retirements.

Following the assurances given at the meeting, student representatives announced the temporary suspension of their October 2 agitation. The decision came after days of protests and demands concerning MPSC's functioning, examination procedures and recruitment delays.