The trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, part of the 2023-batch, is under investigation for alleged misconduct and misuse of privileges. The Central Government has initiated a probe into accusations that Ms. Khedkar improperly utilized disability and OBC quota benefits to secure her position.
A single-member committee, chaired by a senior officer of Additional Secretary rank, has been formed to scrutinize Ms. Khedkar’s candidature claims. The committee, mandated by the Department of Personnel and Training, aims to submit its findings within two weeks.
Key allegations include Ms. Khedkar’s use of bureaucratic symbols on her privately-owned Audi sedan, such as a red-blue beacon, VIP number plates, and a “Government of Maharashtra” sticker during her probationary period. Further scrutiny revealed alleged communication with the Pune Collector’s office to assert her administrative status and vehicle preferences.
Amid escalating scrutiny, Ms. Khedkar has been reassigned to Washim. Refraining from public comment due to government regulations, she faces questions about her eligibility under disability quotas, having reportedly failed to undergo mandatory medical examinations to confirm her claims of visual impairment and mental illness.
RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar has raised concerns regarding discrepancies in Ms. Khedkar’s OBC non-creamy layer status, citing her father’s reported assets exceeding the eligibility threshold. Ms. Khedkar, who secured rank 841 in the Civil Services Examination, faced initial opposition from the UPSC, which contested her selection.
The controversy deepened as details emerged of Ms. Khedkar’s repeated failures to attend scheduled medical examinations, despite recommendations from the Department of Personnel and Training. Allegations of using a non-creamy layer certificate despite significant family wealth have further fueled public outcry and demands for a thorough investigation into her appointment process.
Ms. Khedkar’s legal challenges, including appeals at the Central Administrative Tribunal and Bombay High Court, have added layers of complexity to the ongoing scrutiny. Her case underscores broader concerns about transparency and integrity in India’s prestigious civil services selection process.
The unfolding investigation into Puja Khedkar’s tenure as a trainee IAS officer continues to captivate public attention, prompting calls for accountability and reforms within the bureaucracy.
