Pune: Discontent among candidates over the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) recruitment process is once again set to take to the streets. Candidates have announced that they will resume their protest in Pune from September 26 against issues including alleged examination irregularities, cancellation of recruitment processes and delays in issuing appointment orders to selected candidates.
Earlier, a large number of candidates had taken out a march in Pune on September 7. Protesters had demanded greater transparency in the examination system, an investigation into alleged irregularities and an early resolution of pending matters related to recruitment. Candidates have now started preparing for another protest, alleging that sufficient action has not been taken on their demands.
Anger over cancellation of Drug Inspector recruitment
One of the major reasons for the candidates’ dissatisfaction is the Drug Inspector Group-B recruitment process. Following complaints of an alleged question-paper leak in the screening examination held in March, the commission cancelled the recruitment process in August.
During the investigation, six people were reportedly arrested, including three officials associated with the commission.
Candidates have said that such incidents affect those who have been preparing for competitive examinations for a long time. They are demanding a more transparent and reliable examination process.
76 selected candidates awaiting appointment orders
Meanwhile, 76 candidates selected for the post of Supply Inspection Officer through the MPSC State Services Examination 2024 are reportedly still waiting for appointment orders.
The candidates are said to have completed the required procedures, including document verification, but appointment orders have not yet been issued.
Different administrative reasons have reportedly been cited for the delay. The candidates are demanding government intervention and an early completion of the appointment process.
Demands to be raised during September 26 protest
According to information regarding the proposed protest, candidates will primarily raise issues related to transparency in recruitment, reforms in the examination system and pending appointments.
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has also said that he will participate in the September 26 protest. He has supported demands including replacing the commission’s chairman, beginning the recruitment process for 70,000 proposed posts in 2026 and changing the examination system.
However, the MPSC chairman has rejected the allegations made against him. He has said that the alleged paper-leak incident related to the Drug Inspector examination took place before he took charge.
The commission has linked its decision to cancel the recruitment process to ensuring equal opportunity for candidates and maintaining confidence in the examination process.
The proposed protest in Pune on September 26 will bring issues surrounding examination security, recruitment timelines and pending appointments back into focus.
