On July 16, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) halted the training of Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer, and instructed her to return to the academy by July 23. However, Khedkar did not report back, raising concerns and prompting a police investigation.
Delhi police are preparing to issue a notice to Khedkar regarding an ongoing probe into charges of cheating and forgery. She is accused of falsifying identity documents to surpass the age limit for the Civil Services Examination (CSE). This led the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to file a criminal case against her. The CSE is a highly competitive and prestigious exam in India, known for its rigorous selection process that aims to ensure the integrity and capability of future civil servants.
In addition to suspending her probation period, LBSNAA has demanded her return to the academy. Khedkar has also been accused of various misconducts during her probationary tenure at the Pune district collectorate. These include the misuse of a red-blue beacon on her private car and demanding perks not entitled to her position. Such actions not only violate protocol but also undermine the ethical standards expected of civil servants.
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The allegations against Khedkar extend beyond her professional conduct to her selection process. She is accused of falsely claiming disabilities to benefit from the UPSC’s Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category while also misusing her Other Backward Class (OBC) status. This misrepresentation raises serious concerns about the fairness and integrity of the civil services examination process, which is designed to select the most meritorious candidates through a transparent and unbiased system.
Despite these serious allegations, Khedkar recently assumed a new role as Assistant Collector at the Washim District Collectorate in Maharashtra. She has refrained from commenting on the allegations, citing government regulations. The Centre has constituted a committee to review her candidature and other claims, expected to submit a report in two weeks. This scrutiny reflects the importance placed on maintaining the sanctity of the civil services, which play a crucial role in the governance and administration of the country.
The controversy surrounding Khedkar has intensified as her father, Dilip Khedkar, and mother, Manorama Khedkar, face legal scrutiny over separate allegations, including a land dispute and misuse of power. These additional legal issues further complicate her situation and bring into question the ethical standards of her background.
This complex situation underscores the ongoing challenges within the administrative services and the scrutiny faced by public servants in India. The civil services are often regarded as the backbone of the Indian administration, tasked with implementing government policies and maintaining law and order. Ensuring that only the most qualified and ethical individuals enter this service is paramount to maintaining public trust and effective governance.
