MPSC reform panel chief V. Radha: institution must be strengthened, mistakes may have occurred

Candidates have lost some trust in the exams conducted by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC), but this will be addressed by strengthening the institution and making necessary reforms to the examination system. This was stated by V. Radha, Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department and head of the high-level committee set up by the state government to reform the examination system.

V. Radha was speaking after an administrative review meeting held in Nagpur on September 16, which discussed what steps are needed to reform the examination system. She said MPSC's structure needs to be expanded, with more staff and necessary resources. She also said the government would prepare a roadmap for improving MPSC's functioning.

V. Radha said MPSC is getting its own building, and it is necessary to give the institution a secure environment along with essential resources. She said that since the UPSC also conducts examinations, it is important to consider how examination systems function. According to her, just as the Election Commission conducts elections with the help of district officials' machinery, MPSC does not need to maintain separate staff in every district and taluka. She also said MPSC is a constitutional institution that has performed its work properly in the past as well.

V. Radha said a separate Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be formed to probe the alleged irregularities in MPSC. She said there should be zero tolerance for corrupt practices and that action must be taken against anyone found guilty. She also clarified that reforming the examination system and taking action against the guilty are two separate issues.