Allegations and Controversies Surrounding Puja Khedkar
Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer who secured an all-India rank of 821 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams, has been transferred from Pune to the Washim district of Maharashtra amid a flurry of controversies.
Key Allegations:
- Misuse of Authority: Khedkar is accused of availing facilities not allowed to probationary officers, including using a red-blue beacon and a Maharashtra Government board on her private Audi car.
- Unauthorized Occupation: She allegedly occupied the chamber of Additional Collector Ajay More without permission and removed office furniture without consent.
- Parental Influence: Reports suggest that her father, a retired administrative officer who recently contested the Lok Sabha election, pressured the district collector’s office to fulfill his daughter’s demands.
Details of the Accusations
Violation of Service Rules: The Pune police reached Khedkar’s house to examine the Audi car she had been using, suspecting a violation of service rules. Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed this investigation. Khedkar, who was posted as an assistant collector in Pune, faced scrutiny for using a red-blue beacon and a government board on her private vehicle, actions not permitted for probationary officers.
Controversial Appointment: RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar questioned Khedkar’s appointment, claiming she did not qualify for the OBC non-creamy layer category as her father’s assets were worth ₹40 crore. According to the rules, only individuals whose parents earn less than ₹8 lakh per annum are eligible for the OBC non-creamy layer category. Khedkar’s father, having contested the recent Lok Sabha elections, declared his wealth in his election affidavit, which contradicted the eligibility criteria.
Fake Certificates: An official revealed that Khedkar allegedly submitted fake disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates to clear the civil services exam. She appeared for the exam under the OBC and visually impaired categories and also submitted a mental illness certificate. Despite being asked to report at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi for verification of her disability certificate in April 2022, she did not comply, citing a Covid infection.
Administrative Actions
Puja Khedkar was transferred following a letter from Pune collector Suhas Divase to the chief secretary of Maharashtra. The decision was made in light of the numerous allegations and her controversial actions.
Conclusion
The case of Puja Khedkar highlights significant issues regarding misuse of authority and manipulation of the system within the administrative services. The ongoing investigations and administrative actions will likely determine the extent of her alleged misconduct and its repercussions.
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