Tukaram Mundhe Appointed as Secretary of MPSC Inquiry Committee

The Maharashtra government has formed a five-member committee headed by retired Bombay High Court judge Dilip Bhosale. It will investigate alleged irregularities in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) recruitment exams and examine candidates’ complaints. IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Maharashtra, has been named the committee’s secretary.

What Is Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC)?

The MPSC is the state’s public service commission. It recruits qualified candidates through exams for Maharashtra government services and posts, much like the UPSC does at the national level. Its exam results and schedules directly affect aspirants who want to join state services, so any claim of irregularity is a serious matter.

Why Has Tukaram Mundhe Been Appointed Secretary of the Panel to Overhaul MPSC?

The panel was formed after an 11-day protest by aspirants in Pune over alleged irregularities and paper leaks. Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale announced the decision after talks with the protesters. Tukaram Mundhe will act as the committee’s secretary, and the panel brings together judicial, administrative, and police expertise.

Background of the MPSC Paper Leak Case

1. MPSC advertised the Drug Inspector post on July 29, 2025.
2. The screening exam was held offline on March 22 at six divisional headquarters. Results came out on June 12.
3. 506 candidates qualified, and 488 were interviewed between July 1 and July 22.
4. Between July 22 and 26, MPSC received complaints that some candidates got the questions on March 20, and that these were shared on social media.
5. MPSC cancelled the entire recruitment process for the post.

Government Action So Far

1. MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar was sent on compulsory leave until the inquiry ends.
2. Cases against protesting students will be withdrawn.
3. Strict action has been promised against those found guilty.

Members of the MPSC Inquiry Committee

5 members of the MPSC inquiry committee: 

1. Dilip Bhosale - Chairman; retired Bombay High Court judge
2. Tukaram Mundhe - Secretary; Commissioner, FDA Maharashtra
3. Laxmi Gautam - IPS officer
4. Ganesh Patil - Former IAS officer
5. P. D. Naik - Retired judge

What Are the Demands Made by MPSC Aspirants?

1. Withdrawal of cases registered against protesters
2. Recruitment to 70,000 posts over the next three years
3. More vacancies in the Group-C exam scheduled for January
4. Removal of MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar, on which the government’s stand is still unclear