UPSC Takes Action Against Puja Khedkar for Exam Fraud

The UPSC has initiated a series of actions against her, including Criminal Prosecution by filing a First Information Report (FIR) with the Police Authorities and has issued a Show Cause Notice (SON) for cancellation of her candidature.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has taken stringent action against Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, a provisionally recommended candidate of the Civil Services Examination-2022, for committing severe fraud.

The investigation revealed that Khedkar exceeded the permissible number of attempts by altering her personal details, including her name, parents' names, photograph, signature, email, mobile number, and address.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has conducted a detailed and thorough investigation in the misdemeanour of Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, a provisionally recommended candidate of the Civil Services Examination-2022. From this investigation, it has been revealed that she fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limit under the Examination Rules by faking her identity by way of changing her name, her father's & mother's name, her photograph/signature, her email ID, mobile number, and address.

The UPSC has, therefore, initiated a series of actions against her, including Criminal Prosecution by filing a First Information Report (FIR) with the Police Authorities and has issued a Show Cause Notice (SON) for cancellation of her candidature of the Civil Services Examination-2022/ debarment from future examinations/selections, in accordance with the Rules of the Civil Services Examination-2022.

The UPSC press release reads, it is categorically stated that in fulfilling its Constitutional obligations, the UPSC stringently adheres to its Constitutional mandate and conducts all its processes, including all examinations, with the highest possible order of due diligence without any compromise. The UPSC has ensured the sanctity and integrity of all its examination processes with the utmost fairness and strict observance of Rules.

Puja Khedkar Controversy  

In addition to these findings, Khedkar faces further allegations of submitting false disability and caste certificates to qualify for the civil services exam. Her claims of visual impairment and mental illness, backed by dubious medical certificates, enabled her to secure an All India Rank of 821 despite low exam scores​.

Further controversies emerged when Khedkar, now a probationary IAS officer, was transferred from Pune to Washim after allegedly misusing her position. Reports suggest that she demanded facilities not permitted for probationary officers, used a luxury car with a government beacon, and sought special privileges from the Pune Collector's office. These actions, combined with an ongoing harassment complaint against the Pune District Collector, have brought her actions under intense scrutiny​.

The central government has constituted a single-member committee to verify Khedkar's disability claims and investigate the authenticity of her submitted documents. The committee is expected to submit its findings within two weeks, as reported by India Today​.

Read More

• UPSC IAS 2024: Check Guidelines & FAQs For Persons With Disabilities for CSE
• India Post GDS Recruitment 2024 Registration Starts Today; Apply For 44228 Vacancies