Commission plans complete clarity on score normalization and server security ahead of digital transition.

The Deadline

The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has established an August 31 deadline to address candidate concerns regarding the transition to online computer-based examinations.

The initiative follows a meeting at MPSC’s CBD Belapur office with student representatives, competitive exam tutors, and youth delegation leaders. Candidates raised critical queries regarding technical infrastructure, server security, and the score normalization formula used across multi-shift examinations.

MPSC officials assured representatives that the commission is taking a constructive approach to student feedback to ensure maximum transparency and fairness. Addressing concerns over scheduling, officials clarified that exam calendars are being structured carefully to prevent overlapping dates across different competitive tests.

To ensure technical integrity, MPSC aims to establish a fully robust, independent in-house digital examination framework by 2027. The commission reiterated that exams will not be outsourced to private contractors. Third-party agencies will only function as technology partners, while C-DAC performs comprehensive technical audits.

Officials affirmed that online examinations will only be conducted once all safety measures and technical readiness are fully achieved.

Civic body intensifies citywide crackdown, orders mandatory hearings, and cautions prospective homebuyers.

Illegal Constructions

Following strict directives from the Bombay High Court in ongoing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) proceedings, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has issued a comprehensive public advisory against unauthorized constructions across the city.

A citywide survey conducted by the civic body identified 12,687 unauthorized or irregular constructions. Alarmingly, 4,946 of these structures were found to have been erected without any municipal building permissions.

In compliance with judicial orders, NMMC ward offices are conducting a minimum of 150 hearings per week (50 per day, three days weekly) to give property owners an opportunity to present their cases. While owners of eligible structures can apply for regularization through the town planning department, active demolition drives are already underway against non-compliant properties across municipal wards.

The municipal corporation warned that offenders will face legal prosecution under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, with demolition costs directly recovered from property owners.

NMMC also issued a strong warning to prospective homebuyers, urging them to verify building permissions, Commencement Certificates (CC), and Occupation Certificates (OC) on the official civic portal before making any property purchases. The authority reiterated that unauthorized buildings will be denied municipal water and sewerage connections.

Court sets aside FDA suspension of four-star hotel’s food license over minor infraction, orders statewide audit of government canteens.

The Food License

The Bombay High Court has set aside an order by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that suspended the food safety license of Park Inn by Radisson in Navi Mumbai. Directing authorities to adopt a “realistic approach,” the court ordered the immediate restoration of the hotel’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license.

The FDA had suspended the four-star hotel’s license following a surprise inspection where officials reported hygiene lapses after spotting two insects in the kitchen area. However, a bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad observed that the hotel had maintained an overall compliance score of 95 percent on hygiene and food safety standards.

The court ruled that shutting down operations based on a single, minor finding was disproportionate. “We are in India. We have to take a realistic stand,” the bench remarked while quashing the suspension.

Addressing potential bias in regulatory actions, the High Court expanded the scope of the matter. It ordered the FDA to conduct comprehensive inspections of all government and semi-government eating establishments state-wide including canteens at the Mantralaya and the High Court and present status reports along with video documentation.

While FDA legal representatives denied selective enforcement noting that several public canteens and prominent Mumbai clubs have also faced action the court’s ruling sends a clear message on balancing regulatory enforcement with practical considerations.