MPSC chairman Bhimanwar goes on leave, member Satish Wagholey given additional charge
Vivek Bhimanwar has gone on leave amid the paper leak row, and commission member Satish Baban Wagholey has been given additional charge as chairman.
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The examinations of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) have been the subject of much discussion in the state over a paper leak and alleged irregularities. Amid this, commission chairman Vivek Bhimanwar has gone on leave, and in his absence commission member Satish Baban Wagholey has been given additional charge of the chairman's post.
The matter concerns the examination for the post of drug inspector in the Food and Drug Administration department, which was conducted by the commission. When the paper leak came to light, some officials were arrested in the case. Questions then began to be raised about the transparency of the examination process, and students demanded the resignation of commission chairman Vivek Bhimanwar.
Over this demand, students held an agitation in Pune for a full ten days. On behalf of the government, minister Shivendraraje Bhosale spoke to the agitating students. The state government assured them that an inquiry committee would be formed, and Bhimanwar decided to go on leave. The students then withdrew their agitation.
With Bhimanwar on leave, the responsibility of running the commission's affairs now rests with Satish Baban Wagholey. The order has reportedly been issued on behalf of Governor Jishnu Dev Varma.
Wagholey had taken charge as a member of the commission only in September 2026. On September 7, Vivek Bhimanwar himself administered to him the oath of secrecy for the post of member. Within a month, the situation has changed, and the additional charge of the chairman's post has come to him.
As promised to the students, the state government has also issued a notification for an inquiry commission. It will work under the chairmanship of retired Justice Dilip Bhosale. According to the information provided, the commission also includes retired Justice P. D. Naik, along with Tukaram Mundhe, Ganesh Patil and Lakhami Gautam.
Students and candidates preparing for competitive examinations are now watching to see what finally emerges from this inquiry on the paper leak case and the alleged irregularities in the commission.
