UPSC initiates action against IAS officer Puja Khedkar

UPSC Takes Strict Action Against Puja Dilip Khedkar

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced significant disciplinary actions against Ms Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, a Civil Services Examination 2022 candidate. A comprehensive investigation discovered that Khedkar had committed serious breaches of examination rules by falsifying personal details, including her name, family information, and contact details.

The UPSC has responded by filing a First Information Report (FIR) with the police and issuing a Show Cause Notice for the potential cancellation of her candidature and disqualification from future examinations. This decisive action underscores the UPSC’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its examination processes.

The UPSC emphasizes its unwavering dedication to conducting examinations with the highest standards of fairness and diligence. The Commission prides itself on maintaining the sanctity of its procedures and ensuring that all candidates are subject to equal and impartial evaluation. By taking stringent measures against fraud, the UPSC aims to preserve the trust and credibility it has earned from the public and candidates alike.

UPSC’s Strict Action Notice

Who is Trainee IAS officer Pooja Khedkar?

Trainee IAS officer Pooja Khedkar faces severe allegations of using fake certificates and false claims to secure her UPSC position. She allegedly misrepresented her OBC status and declared multiple disabilities, avoiding mandatory medical examinations. The central government has initiated a probe, led by Manoj Dwivedi of the DoPT, to verify these claims. If found guilty, Khedkar may face dismissal and criminal charges. Additionally, her mother, Manorama Khedkar, is under scrutiny for brandishing a firearm and threatening villagers, leading to an FIR against her. This controversy underscores the need for integrity and rigorous verification in the civil services selection process.

Pooja Khedkar IAS Officer Accused of Using Fake Certificates for Selection

Pooja Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer, stands accused of using fraudulent means to secure her position in the civil services. The allegations against her are serious and multifaceted:

1. Misrepresentation of Caste Status: Khedkar is accused of falsely claiming Other Backward Classes (OBC) status to benefit from the reservation system. This claim is under scrutiny, with questions about the authenticity of her caste certificate.
2. False Disability Claims: She reportedly declared multiple disabilities to avail of concessions during the UPSC selection process. However, she allegedly refused to undergo the mandatory medical examinations required to verify these disabilities.

How Pooja Khedkar IAS Scammed UPSC Selection?

Pooja Khedkar’s case has sparked controversy over her alleged use of fraudulent certificates to secure an advantageous position in the UPSC selection. Accusations include falsely claiming OBC status and misrepresenting disabilities to gain undue advantages. Such actions, if proven true, could undermine the meritocratic principles of civil service recruitment and erode public trust. The ongoing probe seeks to uncover the truth behind these serious allegations and uphold the integrity of India’s administrative services.

Nature of Alleged Scam

The alleged scam revolves around the strategic use of fake certificates and misrepresentations to manipulate the UPSC selection process. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the scam purportedly unfolded:

1. Claiming OBC Status

• Obtaining the Certificate: It is alleged that Pooja Khedkar obtained a fraudulent OBC certificate to qualify for reservation benefits during the UPSC examination.
• Impact on Selection: The reservation system in India provides significant advantages to candidates from certain categories. By falsely claiming OBC status, Khedkar would have had a better chance of securing a higher rank and a preferred cadre.

2. False Disability Claims

• Declared Disabilities: Khedkar purportedly declared multiple disabilities to receive extra time, relaxation in age limits, and other concessions during the UPSC exams.
• Refusal of Medical Tests: To validate these claims, candidates must undergo medical examinations. Khedkar is accused of avoiding these mandatory tests, thus bypassing the verification process.

Investigation and Potential Consequences

The central government has initiated a probe, led by Manoj Dwivedi, the additional secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). The investigation aims to verify the authenticity of Khedkar’s certificates and the validity of her claims. The findings are expected within two weeks.

Possible Outcomes

1. Dismissal from Service: If found guilty, Pooja Khedkar may be dismissed from the Indian Administrative Service. This action would underscore the zero-tolerance policy towards fraud and misrepresentation in civil services.
2. Criminal Charges: Beyond administrative consequences, Khedkar could face criminal charges for forgery and fraud, potentially leading to legal proceedings, fines, and even imprisonment.
3. Impact on Future Selections: This case could prompt stricter scrutiny and verification processes for future UPSC candidates to prevent similar incidents. It may lead to policy changes to ensure the authenticity of certificates and claims.

Family Involvement and Old Controversies

The controversy has further deepened with reports suggesting that Khedkar’s father, a retired administrative officer, pushed for her demands to be met. Additionally, an old video surfaced showing her mother, Manorama Khedkar, threatening a group of men with a gun, adding another layer of controversy to the family’s history.

FIR Against Manorama Khedkar

The Pune Rural Police registered an FIR against Manorama Khedkar and her husband, Dilip Khedkar, based on a complaint by a farmer who alleged that he was threatened by Manorama. The charges include sections 323, 504, and 506 of the IPC, along with provisions under the Arms Act.

The video, which went viral, shows Manorama brandishing a firearm and threatening villagers in Mulshi taluka, Pune district. The police have initiated a probe to ascertain the facts, including verifying if she possessed a license for the firearm.

Conclusion

The unfolding case of Pooja Khedkar is a stark reminder of the challenges in maintaining the sanctity of the UPSC selection process. As the investigation progresses, it serves as a critical test of the accountability mechanisms within the system. The outcome will not only determine Khedkar’s future but also shape policies to safeguard the integrity of India’s civil services.