Amid an ongoing protest by competitive examination aspirants in Pune, the Maharashtra government has relieved MPSC Secretary Mahendra Uttamrao Harpalkar from his deputation, citing administrative reasons. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar told The Free Press Journal that protesters' main demand remains removal of the MPSC chairman, adding the agitation will continue until action is taken.

Pune: Amid an ongoing protest by competitive examination aspirants at the S M Joshi Bridge near Patrakar Bhavan in Pune on Friday, the Maharashtra government has relieved Mahendra Uttamrao Harpalkar, Secretary of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC), from his deputation, citing administrative reasons.

Harpalkar Was Appointed For Two Years

According to a General Administration Department (GAD) Government Order dated October 1, Harpalkar, who belongs to the Deputy Secretary cadre, had been appointed as MPSC Secretary on deputation for a period of two years through an earlier government order dated December 22, 2025.

The latest order states that, “for administrative reasons”, Harpalkar is being relieved from his deputation as Secretary of the MPSC. It further directs him to immediately hand over charge of the post to another officer with the consent of the MPSC Chairman. The order also states that a separate order regarding his subsequent posting will be issued.