Saurabh Katiyar Appointed Secretary of Maharashtra Public Service Commission Amid Controversy
Saurabh Katiyar, currently the Mumbai Suburban Collector, takes on the role of Secretary for the MPSC during an ongoing investigation into alleged paper leaks.
Saurabh Katiyar's appointment as MPSC Secretary follows scrutiny of the commission amid paper leak allegations.
The Maharashtra government has initiated a judicial inquiry into the MPSC paper leak case.
Katiyar has a notable track record, including leading India's first AI-powered skill census.
Saurabh Katiyar, who currently serves as the Mumbai Suburban Collector, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC). This decision was made on Wednesday by the Maharashtra government amid ongoing scrutiny of the commission due to allegations of examination irregularities and paper leaks.
The appointment of Katiyar comes in the wake of significant changes within the MPSC, including the transfer of former Secretary Mahendra Harpalkar and the compulsory leave of the commission's chairman, Vivek Bhimanwar, pending an inquiry. The state government has stated that Katiyar will hold the additional charge until further notice, indicating the urgency of addressing the issues surrounding the commission.
Protests have erupted in Pune, where aspirants have rallied for 11 days demanding accountability for the alleged paper leak and the resignation of Bhimanwar. In response to the growing unrest, the Maharashtra government announced a judicial inquiry led by Justice Dilip Bhosale to investigate the matter thoroughly. This inquiry aims to restore public confidence in the commission's integrity and operations.
Katiyar, a 2016 batch IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, has a commendable background, having graduated from IIT Kanpur. He previously served as the Collector of Amravati, where he initiated 'Mission 28', a program aimed at reducing infant mortality rates in the tribal areas of Maharashtra. His innovative approach in leveraging AI for India's first skill census has garnered national attention, positioning Mumbai Suburban as a case study for global academic institutions.
Looking ahead, Katiyar's role as Secretary of the MPSC will be closely monitored, particularly as the commission navigates through this challenging period. The outcomes of the judicial inquiry and the public's response to Katiyar's leadership will be pivotal in shaping the future of the MPSC and its operations in Maharashtra.
