In a landmark decision that underscores the importance of maintaining integrity in India's civil services, the government has officially discharged former IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar following accusations of manipulating both the OBC (Other Backward Classes) and disability quota benefits during the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) civil service examinations. This move comes under the provisions of Rule 12 of the IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954, which allows for the discharge of a probationary officer deemed ineligible for recruitment based on their failure to meet eligibility criteria.
The case surrounding Puja Khedkar has garnered significant attention due to the serious nature of the accusations. Khedkar, who had successfully cleared the UPSC exam in 2021-22 with a rank of 821, had initially appeared under the name 'Puja Diliprao Khedkar' in prior attempts, utilizing her OBC status. However, after exhausting the maximum number of permissible attempts by 2020, she allegedly reappeared for the exam under the name 'Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar,' this time claiming eligibility under both the OBC and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) quotas. By manipulating the system, Khedkar was able to bypass the standard limits, ultimately clearing the exam under false pretenses.
The government, after a thorough investigation, found that Khedkar had exceeded her allowed nine attempts for OBC and PwBD candidates and was, therefore, ineligible to appear in the 2022 examination year. A single-member committee was constituted in July to probe Khedkar's candidacy claims, and after careful scrutiny, it submitted a report confirming the allegations against her. The findings prompted the government to take swift action, leading to a summary enquiry in compliance with Rule 12 of the IAS (Probation) Rules. Despite being given ample opportunity to present her defense, Khedkar's explanations were found insufficient, leading to her formal discharge from service.
The UPSC had already cancelled Khedkar's provisional candidature on July 31, following the discovery that she had misused both her name and quota benefits. The commission not only revoked her results but also barred her from appearing in any future UPSC exams. Additionally, a criminal case has been initiated against Khedkar on charges of cheating, fraud, and forgery, making her situation even more precarious.
In an attempt to fight the decisions against her, Khedkar approached the Delhi High Court, challenging the UPSC's actions, arguing that she did not manipulate or misrepresent her identity. Her petition contended that she was wrongfully accused and demanded reinstatement. However, the evidence against her, including her previous exam records and quota claims, paints a different picture.
Khedkar's fall from grace is particularly striking given her position as a probationary assistant collector in Pune, Maharashtra. Following the allegations of quota misuse, she was transferred to Washim from Pune, further hinting at the gravity of the situation. During her tenure in Pune, Khedkar had also filed a harassment case against Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase, alleging that he had reported her misuse of power to the state government. This added a layer of complexity to the unfolding drama, as it highlighted the tensions and accusations within the administrative system.
The entire episode raises broader concerns about the misuse of affirmative action policies, particularly in one of the most respected and critical sectors of Indian governance—the civil services. Quota systems like those for OBC and PwBD candidates are designed to provide opportunities to underprivileged and marginalized sections of society, ensuring diversity and inclusivity within the bureaucracy. However, cases like that of Puja Khedkar show how such systems can be manipulated, casting a shadow over the entire selection process.Â
The government’s decision to discharge Khedkar is a strong message that unethical practices will not be tolerated, even at the highest levels of the administration. It also calls attention to the need for stricter monitoring and verification processes in UPSC examinations to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future. The case may very well serve as a cautionary tale for those looking to manipulate systems designed for equity, as it not only resulted in the end of Khedkar’s promising career but also opened her up to severe legal consequences.
This controversy will likely have lasting implications for Khedkar and the civil service community as a whole. As legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how Khedkar’s case will unfold and whether her appeal to the courts will yield any relief. However, for now, her discharge stands as a clear indication of the government's firm stance against quota manipulation and fraud within the civil services.
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