The Centre’s panel has submitted its report on the controversial IAS officer Puja Khedkar.
The 2023-batch trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar made headlines when Pune collector Suhas Diwase wrote to Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, highlighting several demands she made that were not entitled to during her probation.
A single-member panel, appointed by the Centre to investigate the allegations against controversial IAS officer Puja Khedkar, has submitted its report to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). The investigation was conducted by Manoj Dwivedi, an additional secretary in the DoPT. This development marks a significant chapter in a saga that has captivated public attention and raised serious questions about the integrity of the civil services examination process.
Puja Khedkar, a 2023-batch trainee IAS officer, first came under scrutiny when Pune collector Suhas Diwase wrote to Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, highlighting several demands she made that were not entitled to her during her probation period. This complaint set off a chain reaction, leading to further investigations and uncovering disturbing details about her selection and background.
One of the main issues that emerged was how Khedkar managed to clear the rigorous UPSC selection process. It was discovered that she had availed herself of relaxations meant for physical disability and OBC (Other Backward Classes) candidates. However, allegations soon surfaced that she was not eligible for these relaxations. This raised serious concerns about the authenticity of the information she provided in her application and whether she had misrepresented her credentials to gain undue advantage.
The ramifications of these allegations are profound. Khedkar now faces a criminal case for “misrepresenting and falsifying facts” in her application for civil service. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued a show-cause notice to cancel her selection, and there is a possibility that she may be barred from taking the exam again. The Delhi Police have also filed a case against her, and an investigation is ongoing to delve deeper into the discrepancies and establish the full extent of any wrongdoing.
This case has not only put Khedkar under the microscope but has also drawn attention to her family’s controversial background. Her father, Dilip Khedkar, is a former Maharashtra government officer who is currently facing a corruption case. He has been suspended twice in the past on related charges, including extortion. This has further tainted the family’s reputation and added to the narrative of systemic issues within certain segments of the bureaucracy.
Adding to the family’s woes, Puja Khedkar’s mother, Manorama Khedkar, a sarpanch, has also found herself in legal trouble. A video surfaced showing her brandishing a gun and threatening a group of people, leading to her arrest under the Arms Act. This incident has compounded the family’s public image problems and has made the entire situation even more contentious.
The unfolding drama has not only raised questions about individual accountability but also about the broader integrity of the civil services selection process. The UPSC exam is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious examinations in India, and any lapses in its administration or in the verification of candidate credentials can undermine public trust in the system. The allegations against Khedkar, if proven true, indicate potential weaknesses in the process that need to be addressed to ensure fairness and transparency.
The case has also prompted discussions about the need for more stringent background checks and verification processes for candidates appearing for such high-stakes exams. Ensuring that only eligible candidates benefit from relaxations meant for specific categories is crucial for maintaining the credibility of the selection process. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse and to uphold the principles of meritocracy.
As the investigation continues, the outcomes will be closely watched, not just for their impact on Puja Khedkar’s career but also for their implications for the civil services examination process as a whole. The findings and subsequent actions taken will likely influence future policies and procedures, aiming to reinforce the integrity and reliability of the UPSC and other similar competitive examinations.
