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.

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.

NMMC Chief sets up a 2-member panel after Fire Officer claims undue pressure to grant approvals.

The Approvals

Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) Commissioner Dr. Kailash Shinde has instituted a high-level, two-member inquiry committee to investigate the contentious issuance of Occupancy Certificates (OC) to the “Naivedya” and “Albela” buildings in Vashi.

The row erupted following a startling revelation by Chief Fire Officer Purushottam Jadhav during a general body meeting, where he alleged that senior authorities had exerted pressure on him to clear the mandatory Fire No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for these structures. These clearances paved the way for the Town Planning department to regularize the buildings and issue occupancy certificates under Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) provisions.

Prompted by the fallout between the civic body’s Fire and Town Planning departments, Commissioner Shinde formed the state-level panel comprising Santosh Warik, Director of Maharashtra Fire Services, and Waghmode, Joint Director of Town Planning. The committee has been tasked with inspecting municipal records and delivering a comprehensive report within 15 days.

In a parallel disciplinary move, NMMC has issued a show-cause notice to Officer Jadhav, seeking clarification on why he failed to formally document or submit a written complaint to administrative heads regarding the alleged pressure prior to his public statement.

With the state government closely tracking the rare high-level inquiry, the probe is expected to scrutinize administrative oversight and clearance protocols within NMMC’s urban planning framework.