Archive · 3 Oct 2026
MPSC Secretary Removed as Aspirants Protest Exam Irregularities
Students who want to take Maharashtra Public Service Commission exams protested over alleged question-paper leaks and other problems.
They asked the government to remove the commission’s secretary and chairman.
The government ended secretary Mahendra Harpalkar’s deputation and told him to hand over his work.
It also announced a judicial inquiry into how the commission is functioning.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state government and governor cannot remove the chairman.
He said the decision rests with the President of India based on recommendations from the Supreme Court.
Maharashtra ended Mahendra Uttamrao Harpalkar’s deputation as Maharashtra Public Service Commission secretary and ordered him to hand over charge.
The decision followed aspirants’ protests over alleged question-paper leaks and other examination irregularities.
The state announced a judicial inquiry into the functioning of the commission.
Students had sought the removal of both Harpalkar and MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state government and governor cannot remove the chairman, describing the post as constitutional.
- Who
- MPSC exam aspirants, secretary Mahendra Uttamrao Harpalkar, chairman Vivek Bhimanwar, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
- What
- The state ended Harpalkar’s deputation as MPSC secretary and announced a judicial inquiry into the commission’s functioning; the chairman remained in post.
- When
- The transfer was announced Wednesday; the order ending the deputation was dated October 1. A student delegation met the chief minister two days before the transfer announcement.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- The action followed protests over alleged question-paper leaks and examination irregularities, and demands to remove the secretary and chairman.
Aspirants’ demands
Government’s position
Removal of MPSC officials
Aspirants’ demands
Protesting aspirants sought the removal of secretary Mahendra Harpalkar and chairman Vivek Bhimanwar.
Government’s position
The government ended Harpalkar’s deputation, but Fadnavis said the state government cannot remove the chairman.
Authority over the chairman’s post
Aspirants’ demands
Students included the chairman’s removal among their demands.
Government’s position
Fadnavis said the chairman holds a constitutional post and that the decision rests with the President of India based on Supreme Court recommendations.
- Commission
- Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC)
- Official affected
- Mahendra Uttamrao Harpalkar, MPSC secretary
- Administrative action
- His two-year deputation to the MPSC was ended; the order directed him to hand over charge.
- Order date
- October 1
- Additional measure
- The state announced a judicial inquiry into the functioning of the commission.
- Aspirants’ demands
- Removal of secretary Harpalkar and chairman Vivek Bhimanwar
- Government position
- Fadnavis said the state government and governor cannot remove the chairman; he said the decision rests with the President of India based on Supreme Court recommendations.
