Scandal Rocks UPSC: Puja Khedkar Accused of Fraudulent Attempts and Identity Manipulation

Shockwaves in Civil Services Examination

In a startling turn of events, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has filed an FIR against IAS probationer Puja Khedkar for allegedly falsifying her identity to exceed the permissible number of examination attempts. The implications of this scandal are far-reaching, casting a shadow over the integrity of India’s prestigious Civil Services Examination.

Allegations and Initial Actions

 Puja Khedkar is also under intense scrutiny for reportedly exploiting OBC and PwBD quotas to pass the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

FIR and Show Cause Notice

 The UPSC has taken decisive action by filing a First Information Report (FIR) against Khedkar, accusing her of manipulating her identity to fraudulently increase her examination attempts. Alongside this, a show cause notice has been issued, which could lead to the cancellation of her IAS selection and a permanent ban from future UPSC examinations.

Probationary Training and Further Accusations

 Khedkar, 32, who commenced her probationary training at the Pune Collectorate in June 2024, now faces allegations of misusing OBC and PwBD quotas to secure her position in the Civil Services Examination.

Suspension of Training Program 

In an unexpected move, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) has suspended her district training program. She has been called back to the academy from Washim, following her transfer from Pune. This controversy began to unravel after Pune's Collector, Suhas Diwase, reported her inappropriate demands for privileged treatment, a revelation that now threatens her career and has led to criminal charges against her parents as well.

Details of Investigation and Findings

 The UPSC’s investigation uncovered significant breaches of examination rules by Khedkar. It was revealed that she had manipulated her identity by altering her name, parents' names, photograph, signature, email ID, mobile number, and address to deceive the system.

UPSC's Response and Commitment

 In response, the UPSC has taken stern measures, including initiating criminal proceedings and issuing a Show Cause Notice that could nullify her 2022 Civil Services Examination results and ban her from future exams. The Commission emphasized its dedication to maintaining the integrity and fairness of its examination processes through stringent adherence to established rules and thorough diligence.

Ensuring Integrity and Fairness

 The UPSC reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the sanctity of its processes, ensuring that all examinations are conducted with the highest standards of fairness and strict observance of the rules. This scandal serves as a stark reminder of the rigorous measures in place to protect the credibility of India’s civil services examination system.