Daijiworld Media Network – Nagpur
Nagpur, Jul 14: The controversy over the Maharashtra Public Service Commission's (MPSC) decision to conduct preliminary examinations online has intensified, with statewide protests by aspirants and mounting political opposition. Amid the growing backlash, sources indicated that differences have emerged within the commission over the decision, raising the possibility of the Maharashtra government intervening to resolve the issue.
The MPSC's announcement to conduct certain recruitment examinations through the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode has triggered strong opposition from competitive examination aspirants across the state. Students have submitted a memorandum to the commission demanding that the examinations continue in the traditional offline format, citing six major objections to the proposed online system.
The issue gained further momentum after protests in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where MLA Rohit Pawar strongly opposed the commission's decision. Speaking in the Maharashtra Assembly, Pawar tore up the MPSC circular on online examinations, expressing solidarity with students and demanding that the decision be withdrawn.
Despite increasing pressure from political leaders across party lines, the commission has so far not indicated any change in its stand. According to sources, the state government is now considering stepping in as a mediator.
Officials familiar with the developments said the MPSC has historically been reluctant to reverse its decisions independently, despite repeated protests by students over various issues. With pressure mounting from both the ruling alliance and the Opposition, the government is reportedly discussing the matter internally and may formally write to the commission, urging it to reconsider the demand for offline examinations.
Meanwhile, the controversy has deepened following claims by student organisations regarding a recent conference of chairpersons of Public Service Commissions from various states held in Sindhudurg.
According to the students, the Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) raised objections to Maharashtra's decision to introduce online examinations and reportedly told MPSC officials that the move was inappropriate. Student organisations also alleged that the MPSC's claim that several state public service commissions conduct examinations online is inconsistent with the actual practices followed across the country.
The students contend that these developments have cast further doubt on the commission's decision, strengthening their demand that the proposed online examination system be withdrawn.