- UPSC cancels IAS trainee Puja Khedkar’s selection for faking identity and manipulating certificates.
- Commission clarifies its limitations in verifying the authenticity of thousands of OBC and disability certificates.
- Khedkar faces allegations of fraudulently availing civil services exams using manipulated quotas.
What Led to Puja Khedkar’s Disqualification?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has taken a strong stance against fraudulent practices by cancelling the selection of IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar and banning her from taking the entrance exam for life. This action followed revelations that Khedkar faked her identity to take the exam multiple times and allegedly manipulated disability and Other Backward Classes (OBC) certificates to gain entry into the civil services.
How Does UPSC Handle Certificate Verification?
In response to the allegations, the UPSC clarified its role and limitations in verifying the authenticity of certificates submitted by candidates. The commission stated that it conducts only a preliminary scrutiny of the certificates, checking aspects such as:
- Whether the certificate has been issued by a competent authority.
- The issuing date and the year to which the certificate pertains.
- The format of the certificate and any signs of overwriting.
However, the UPSC acknowledged that it does not have the mandate or resources to verify the veracity of thousands of certificates submitted each year. The commission generally accepts certificates as genuine if issued by a competent authority. Detailed scrutiny and verification of these certificates are the responsibility of other mandated authorities.
What Are the Allegations Against Puja Khedkar?
Puja Khedkar faces serious allegations of fraudulently availing the civil services examination by misrepresenting her identity and manipulating quotas. The UPSC has filed a police case against her, and the Delhi Police Crime Branch has booked her for misusing the disability and OBC (non-creamy layer) quotas. The investigation revealed that she applied for a disability certification for her left knee joint in 2022, receiving a certificate indicating a 7% disability. This certificate is now under scrutiny for authenticity.
Additionally, Khedkar, who was serving as a probationary assistant collector at the Pune district collectorate, was transferred to Washim amid allegations of misrepresenting herself under the physical disabilities category. During her tenure in Pune, she reportedly misused her power by demanding perks and facilities she was not entitled to. She is also accused of availing benefits under the OBC and non-creamy layer quotas in the UPSC exams.
Conclusion
The Puja Khedkar case highlights significant challenges in the verification process of certificates for the UPSC exams. While the commission conducts preliminary checks, the responsibility of verifying the authenticity of thousands of certificates lies with other authorities. The stringent action taken against Khedkar underscores the importance of integrity and transparency in the civil services selection process. As the investigation continues, it serves as a reminder of the need for robust mechanisms to prevent and detect fraudulent practices in such critical examinations.
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