Pune: The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) is set to introduce major changes across the exam process, from question-paper setting and printing to transportation and distribution, in a bid to prevent paper leaks and restore candidates’ confidence.
The task force was constituted through a government resolution on September 4 to review recruitment examinations and recommend measures to make them safer, transparent, credible and candidate-friendly. Sasane said around 5,012 professor posts were expected to be filled across Maharashtra and alleged that financial transactions and interference by managements, senior university officials and political representatives were affecting the selection of eligible candidates. Technology would be extensively used to strengthen security and prevent malpractice. Consultations are being held with students, candidates, teachers, coaching classes and parents across all six divisions. Candidates sought a stable exam pattern for at least five to eight years, an annual examination calendar, timely declaration of vacancies and stronger grievance-redressal mechanisms. They also demanded that examinations be held strictly as scheduled and that paper leaks and malpractice face zero tolerance. Candidate Rahul Sasane demanded that recruitment of professors in the state be brought under MPSC to ensure greater transparency.
He said candidates wanted immediate policy measures to rebuild trust in the recruitment system. Speaking at a press conference at Savitribai Phule Pune University on Saturday, V Radha, additional chief secretary, general administration department (services) and chairperson of the high-level task force, said the government was working towards a secure system in which no individual or agency would have access to complete information about a question paper at any stage.
