In a dramatic turn of events, the Central government has dismissed Puja Khedkar from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with immediate effect. The decision comes weeks after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) canceled her provisional candidature on allegations of cheating and misrepresentation.
Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer, has been accused of falsely claiming Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability quota benefits to secure her selection in the prestigious civil service. The UPSC found her guilty of faking her identity to take the civil services exam multiple times.
Government Action
The Centre discharged Khedkar from the IAS under Rule 12 of IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954, which empowers the government to dismiss probationers deemed ineligible or unsuitable for the service. This decision follows the UPSC’s earlier cancellation of her candidature and debarment from future exams.
Vide order dated 6th September 2024, the Central Government has discharged Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, IAS Probationer (MH:2023), from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) under Rule 12 of the IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954, with immediate effect pic.twitter.com/XcDDZQq9T8
— IANS (@ians_india) September 7, 2024
Central Government discharges Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, IAS Probationer (MH:2023), from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) under Rule 12 of IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954, with immediate effect: Sources pic.twitter.com/yoCuHKgNEk
— ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024
Investigations and Allegations
Khedkar allegedly misrepresented information in her application for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2022, to avail reservation benefits. The UPSC’s findings have led to an ongoing investigation by Delhi Police.
The UPSC and Delhi Police have opposed Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea, arguing that she defrauded the Commission and the public by appearing for the civil services exams multiple times despite being ineligible. Police have also raised concerns about the authenticity of one of her disability certificates.
Khedkar’s Denial
Khedkar, who was serving as a probationary IAS officer in Maharashtra, has vehemently denied all allegations. She claims to have become a victim of misinformation and “fake news.” Khedkar recently told the Delhi High Court that she is willing to undergo a medical examination at AIIMS to prove her innocence.
As the investigation into the matter continues, the dismissal of Puja Khedkar from the IAS serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of fraudulent activities in the civil service. The case has raised serious questions about the integrity of the selection process and the measures in place to prevent such incidents.
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