Pune, September 13 (Daily Kiran) : In Pune, the Maharashtra government has established a high-level task force aimed at improving the transparency, security, and stability of competitive exams conducted by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) and other state-level assessments. This initiative comes in response to recent controversies, including exam paper leaks and protests from candidates demanding greater accountability and the resignation of MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar.
The task force, chaired by V. Radha, Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department, has engaged in extensive discussions with students, educators, and parents. Key topics included the exam timetable, question paper quality, prevention of leaks, announcement of vacant positions, answer keys, exam center arrangements, grievance redressal, and policies regarding candidates opting out of exams.
Participants emphasized the need for a clear annual exam calendar, urging adherence to it rather than frequent policy changes. They also recommended that the number of vacant positions across various cadres be announced in advance.
V. Radha announced that next year’s competitive exams will not be conducted online; instead, they will utilize Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets. Standard operating guidelines for this new format are currently being developed.
To create an environment free from paper leaks, the committee plans to incorporate advanced technology in question creation, printing, transportation, and distribution processes. They are also considering an encrypted ‘e-question bank’ system, ensuring that question creators remain unaware of which questions will appear in specific exams.
Students have called for rigorous quality checks to eliminate errors in question papers and answer keys. Additionally, they demand standardized assessment methods and reviewer audits of answer scripts.
Stakeholders have requested a unified online portal for candidate inquiries and objections, along with a single-window system for one-time registration and fee payment across all state exams. Emphasis was placed on ensuring basic facilities at exam centers, such as clean restrooms, drinking water, and adequate seating arrangements.
There was a strong advocacy for a transparent policy regarding candidates opting out after selection, preventing seat wastage when individuals qualify for multiple positions. Timely verification of disability and sports quota certificates was also highlighted as necessary.
The task force is studying the operational methods of public service commissions across the country, particularly those in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), to adopt the most effective practices for Maharashtra.
Given the increasing workload faced by the MPSC, officials stressed the urgent need to bolster the commission’s administrative staff, technical capabilities, and organizational structure.
Director General of Police Sadanand Date stated, “Our goal is to create a faster, more transparent, and accountable selection process for the state.” Senior officials, including Divisional Commissioner Sheetal Teli-Ugale and District Collector Jitendra Dudi, were present during these discussions.
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