Candidates Challenge MPSC Over Recruitment Process Irregularities

The Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal (MAT) is set to hear a case brought forward by candidates aggrieved by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission’s (MPSC) recent handling of the recruitment process. Aspirants contest that the MPSC’s release of the recommended candidates’ list disregarded the ‘preference order,’ prompting them to seek legal recourse.

Key Points:

1. Violation of Stipulated Procedures: Candidates have raised concerns over the MPSC’s deviation from its own regulations in the recruitment process. Despite clear guidelines outlined in notifications, the MPSC published the list without adhering to the specified preference order.
2. Unmet Demands: Requests for a revised list that respects the preference order went unanswered by the MPSC, compelling candidates to escalate the matter to the MAT.
3. Impact on Opportunities: The MPSC’s actions have ramifications for approximately 300 candidates, jeopardizing their chances of securing employment. This has sparked frustration among aspirants regarding the commission’s handling of the recruitment procedure.
4. Media Scrutiny: Media highlighted various discrepancies in the MPSC’s recruitment practices, yet the commission has not acknowledged or addressed these concerns adequately.
5. Official Response: Despite mounting pressure, MPSC Secretary Suvarna Kharat declined to comment on the matter, leaving candidates seeking clarity on the irregularities.
6. Importance of Preference Order: The ‘order of preference’ is a crucial aspect of the recruitment process, allowing candidates to prioritize their desired positions. Its inclusion facilitates fair consideration for all applicants and maximizes opportunities.
7. Legal Intervention: The MAT has directed the MPSC to furnish a response regarding the preference order issue by May 6, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations.

J&K High Court’s Verdict:

In a related development, candidates have invoked a verdict from the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court regarding proper adherence to recruitment procedures. The court emphasized that any deviation from prescribed guidelines violates constitutional provisions, echoing the concerns raised by candidates in Maharashtra.

Azam Shaikh, an RTI activist, criticized the MPSC’s disregard for advertised rules, questioning the commission’s administrative competence.

Consideration of Past Precedents:

The MPSC’s handling of the Agriculture Services Main Exam 2022, where candidates were excluded for failing to specify preferences, raises pertinent questions about consistency and fairness in recruitment practices.

In Conclusion:

The discrepancy between the MPSC’s advertised regulations and its actual implementation has prompted candidates to seek legal recourse. As the MAT reviews the case, it becomes imperative for the MPSC to address these concerns transparently and uphold the integrity of the recruitment process.