Centre discharges Puja Khedkar from IAS with immediate effect
What's the story
The central government has discharged former trainee officer Puja Khedkar from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with immediate effect. The decision was announced by officials from the Department of Personnel and Training. "Vide Order dated September 6, 2024, the Central Government discharges Ms. Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, IAS Probationer (MH:2023), from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) under Rule 12 of IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954," an official said.
Candidature cancelation
Khedkar's UPSC candidature canceled over rule violations
On July 31, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) canceled Khedkar's candidature for the Civil Services Examination-2022. This decision followed allegations that she had violated examination rules by changing her name and parents' names to exceed the permitted number of attempts. The UPSC stated, "The UPSC has examined the available records carefully and found her guilty of acting in contravention of the provisions of the CSE-2022 Rules."
Further accusations
Additional allegations against Khedkar
In addition to the examination rule violations, Khedkar is also accused of misrepresenting herself as an OBC non-creamy layer candidate in her UPSC application. She allegedly refused to undergo tests to verify her claims of visual and mental disabilities. The UPSC and Delhi Police have previously opposed Khedkar's anticipatory bail plea, arguing that she had defrauded both the commission and public by appearing for the CSE in 2021 despite exhausting all attempts by 2020.
Conduct controversy
Khedkar's conduct under scrutiny
Khedkar, a 34-year-old 2023 batch IAS officer, first made headlines when she was accused of unauthorized use of a beacon on her private Audi car despite being a probationary officer. She was also accused of occupying the ante-chamber of Additional Collector Ajay More during his absence and installing a board bearing her name. Amidst these controversies, she was transferred from Pune to Washim by the Pune district collector.