UPSC Moves Against Puja Khedkar for Fraudulent Activity

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has initiated legal action against Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer, alleging she used forged disability certificates to clear the civil services exam. This significant move aims to cancel her candidature and uphold the integrity of the examination process.

In a detailed statement, the UPSC highlighted its extensive investigation into the misconduct of Ms. Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar. The probe revealed that she fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limit under the Examination Rules. By changing her name, her parents’ names, her photograph and signature, email ID, mobile number, and address, Khedkar was able to manipulate the system and gain undue advantage.

The UPSC, in adherence to its Constitutional obligations, conducts all examinations with the highest level of due diligence. The Commission’s stringent adherence to rules ensures the sanctity and integrity of all its examination processes. The actions taken against Khedkar are a testament to the UPSC’s commitment to fairness and justice.

Khedkar was recently called by the Pune Police to record her statement. This came after she filed a harassment case against Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase. Diwase had reported her alleged misuse of power to the Maharashtra government, leading to the current investigation and legal proceedings against her.

The UPSC’s statement reads, “The Commission has conducted a detailed and thorough investigation into the misdemeanour of Ms. 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 and 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 (SCN) 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 statement continued.

By taking these steps, the UPSC aims to ensure that the examination process remains fair and transparent, deterring any future attempts of fraud or misconduct.

The implications of this case extend beyond the individual, reflecting on the stringent measures the UPSC employs to maintain the credibility and integrity of the civil services examination. The Commission’s actions reinforce its dedication to a merit-based selection process, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates are selected to serve the nation.

The case against Puja Khedkar is ongoing, and the UPSC is expected to take further actions based on the findings of the police investigation and internal reviews. The outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for handling similar issues in the future, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity in the civil services.