Mumbai: Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) member Satish Waghole was on Friday given additional charge as chairman after Vivek Bhimanwar proceeded on leave pending a judicial inquiry into alleged paper leaks and the commission’s functioning.Waghole, a former principal secretary of state law and judiciary department, joined MPSC as a member on Sept 9. His term ends on April 24, 2030.State govt on Friday issued a notification for conducting an inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 into the paper leaks and other irregularities in MPSC. The notification said the govt had received representations alleging leaks in MPSC examinations and considered the matter of definite public importance. Officials said governor Jishnu Dev Varma had approved the notification.The five-member inquiry committee is headed by former Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Dilip Bhosale. Members include former judge P D Naik, former IAS officer Ganesh Patil and IPS officer Lakhami Gautam, with IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe as secretary. The panel has been given two months to complete its probe.The state notification stated that the committee will enquire and fix the responsibility for malpractices or leakage of question papers or answer keys in MPSC exams and also determine whether misconduct or misbehaviour by serving or former members, including the chairman, “so as to proceed for their removal under Article 317 of the Constitution of India”.Bhimanwar announced on Monday that he would remain on leave until the inquiry was completed. “The state govt has announced a judicial inquiry into the MPSC paper leak case. Throughout my entire life, I have always prioritized ethics. Therefore, I have decided to go on leave during this period instead of continuing to serve in the post until this inquiry is completed. The autonomy, credibility, and interests of students of the MPSC have always been my priority, and they will continue to be so in the future,” Bhimanwar said in a post on X.His announcement prompted aspirants to end their 11-day agitation in Pune. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, who had led agitation, welcomed the inquiry. He alleged that MPSC member Abhay Wagh was also a ‘big player’ and students have a strong sentiment that he too should be sent on leave.“Finally, a judicial commission has been established under the Commissions of Enquiry Act-1952 to thoroughly cleanse the entire commission through investigations into the paper leaks of various MPSC exams and from constables to chairpersons. The commission will also investigate the drug inspector position exam along with Group B, Group C, and other suspicious exams. Given the powers vested in the commission, a complete purge from bottom to top is expected, along with recommendations for further action on the 317, this is the hope! The current member Abhay Wag is a big ‘player’ and students have a strong sentiment that he too should be sent on leave just like Bhimanwar. The govt should pay attention to this matter, this is the request! Regarding Group B, we will be meeting the judicial commission next week and we need to submit as much evidence as possible to them, so students should collect all evidence with student representatives or with us, we will ensure not a single guilty person escapes! Until we send them home… we won’t let go,” Rohit said in a post on X.
