"Don't want to play with students' health": Uddhav Thackeray on delay in MPSC exams

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray today in an address to the state has said that Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) will take place in a week's time. Uddhav Thackeray said," Last time when it (MPSC exams) was postponed, I'd assured you it won't be further postponed when next date is declared. Today it was postponed due to COVID. I assure you that postponement isn't for 2-3 months but for few days. Exam will take place in a week's time." Those engaged in exam duty must test negative for COVID-19. It's better that people engaged in the exam duty should be vaccinated first. No one should have any doubt in their mind examiners themselves are infected. We will declare the fresh date by tomorrow," the CM further added. "Don't want to play with students' emotions but don't want to play with their health either. This extra time which I'm seeking is only for better preparations for staff & other essentials. I appeal to students and parents to not lend a shoulder for any political gun," the CM added.

Earlier, the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) on Thursday again postponed its preliminary examination for government jobs -- scheduled for Sunday -- citing the coronavirus situation, but the concerned minister claimed he was never consulted. The decision, announced by the Relief and Rehabilitation Department in a circular, sparked protests by students and also came in for flak from leaders of the ruling coalition members Congress and NCP as well as opposition BJP. Congress leader and Rehabilitation Minister Vijay Wadettiwar claimed he was kept in the dark by officials. The examination was to take place in April last year but was repeatedly delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan questioned the wisdom of the decision. Speaking to reporters in Pune, he said, "If the government can permit weddings, hold budget session and conduct exams for the health department, then it is wrong to cancel the MPSC examination." It was injustice to candidates, the former chief minister said, adding, "How much longer they should prepare for MPSC? If the government can allow other events, it should not apply a different yardstick for MPSC." BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis demanded that the decision be reversed.