NCP-SP, Congress leaders back MPSC aspirants’ protest
Pune: Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirants staged a protest in Pune on September 7, over an alleged question paper leak and irregularities in the recruitment examination process, demanding greater transparency and accountability from the commission.

The agitation has received support from opposition leaders, including Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leaders Supriya Sule and Rohit Pawar, as well as Congress leaders. Protesters raised slogans and carried placards demanding action against those responsible for alleged irregularities and accountability from MPSC authorities.

The controversy centres on the alleged leak of the MPSC Drug Inspector examination question paper. A preliminary police inquiry had found that the paper was leaked before the examination, intensifying concerns among candidates about the fairness and credibility of the recruitment process.

MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar has said the paper leak occurred before he assumed office and has defended the commission’s response. The commission has also filed a police complaint, while inquiries have been initiated at different levels.

The Maharashtra government has meanwhile announced a high-level committee to review the recruitment examination system and recommend measures to improve transparency, security and reliability. The committee is also expected to gather feedback from students, educators, parents and other stakeholders.

However, protesters have maintained that assurances alone are insufficient and are demanding concrete action against those responsible. The agitation has added pressure on the state government and MPSC to address concerns over examination integrity and restore candidates’ confidence in the recruitment process.