The Maharashtra government has made a significant appointment to one of the state's most crucial constitutional bodies. On Monday, the state administration named Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar as the new Chairperson of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC).
A New Leadership for the State's Premier Recruitment Body
The appointment was formalized through an official notification issued by the General Administration Department (GAD). Bhimanwar, an IAS officer from the 2009 batch, takes over the reins from former Director General of Police (DGP) Rajnish Seth, who had been serving as the MPSC Chairman since his appointment in 2023.
The notification clarified that the Governor made this appointment under the powers vested by Article 316(1) of the Constitution of India. According to the terms, Bhimanwar will hold office for a period of six years from the date he assumes charge. However, his tenure will conclude earlier if he attains the age of 62 years.
The Career Path of the New MPSC Chief
Vivek Bhimanwar brings a wealth of administrative experience to the role. He was appointed as the Transport Commissioner of Maharashtra in September 2022. Prior to this, he served in a key position close to the state's leadership, having been the private secretary to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during his previous stint.
Bhimanwar is due to retire from service in February 2026. In the interim period, until he formally assumes the role of Chairman, Dr. Abhay Wagh, a Member of the MPSC, has been entrusted with the additional charge of the Chairperson.
The Vital Role of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission
The MPSC is an autonomous constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution. It plays a pivotal role in the state's governance machinery. Its primary function is to recommend suitable candidates for various posts under the Maharashtra government.
The Commission's responsibilities are extensive and critical:
- Conducting examinations for appointments to the services of the state government.
- Advising the government on service matters, including the formulation of recruitment rules, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary proceedings.
- Conducting examinations for posts in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) that are equivalent to or higher than the post of executive engineer.
- Conducting examinations for the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking.
This appointment marks a new chapter for the MPSC, which is central to shaping the bureaucratic framework of Maharashtra. The selection of a senior IAS officer like Vivek Bhimanwar underscores the importance of the Commission's work in ensuring a merit-based and efficient recruitment process for the state's administration.
