Govt bows to pressure, puts off MPSC exam

MUMBAI: Bowing to pressure from legislators, the state on Thursday postponed the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) exams scheduled on Sunday, as its website was infected by virus, wiping out all vital information of candidates.

There was widespread concern as more than 3.25 lakh candidates are appearing in the MPSC exams for 265 posts.

CM Prithviraj Chavan, who on Wednesday said that the exams would be held as per the schedule, changed his decision as legislators from all parties stalled proceedings in the House, demanding postponement of the exam.

Announcing the decision, Chavan said: “The commission told me that they were fully prepared to conduct the exam as scheduled and assured me that no candidate would be affected. However, taking into consideration the sentiments expressed by the legislators, we have decid- ed to postpone the examination.”

He said the revised timetable would be announced later. Sources said MPSC officials were confident of handling the problem but Chavan did not want to take any risk since the session of the legislature was in progress.

Earlier, Opposition legislators in both the houses stalled the proceedings for two hours demanding postponement of the exams. “It is better to take precautions and proceed instead of rushing through and causing problems to students,” said Shiv Sena legislator Neelam Gorhe.