PUNE, INDIA — Students in Maharashtra have concluded a 10-day protest in Pune, demanding reforms to the state's public service examination system, following the formation of a new committee to address their concerns and the MPSC Chairman's decision to go on leave.

Vivek Bhimanwar, Chairman of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission, announced his decision to proceed on leave until an inquiry into the examination system is completed. This move fulfilled a key demand of the protesting aspirants, who had been agitating for changes to the MPSC's operational framework and examination processes.

The Maharashtra government has established a committee tasked with proposing reforms to the MPSC. Senior bureaucrat Tukaram Mundhe has been appointed to lead this crucial panel. Rohit Pawar, who led the delegation of student protesters, expressed optimism regarding Mundhe's inclusion, anticipating that his presence would ensure the committee functions with independence and impartiality.

The newly formed committee has been given a strict deadline of 60 days to submit its recommendations. Its mandate is to thoroughly review the existing system and suggest improvements that align with the aspirants' demands for a fair and transparent examination process.

The resolution of the protests marks a significant development for thousands of students across Maharashtra who aspire to join the state's public services. The formation of the reform committee and the MPSC Chairman's leave are direct outcomes of the sustained agitation, highlighting the government's response to public pressure for systemic changes.