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Puja Khedkar, a 34-year-old former trainee IAS officer from Maharashtra, has become embroiled in a scandal that has shaken the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Accused of manipulating the system to exceed the permissible number of attempts in the Civil Services Examination (CSE), Khedkar's actions have led to her disqualification and permanent debarment from future UPSC examinations.
Puja Khedkar, a 34-year-old former trainee IAS officer from Maharashtra, has become embroiled in a scandal that has shaken the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Accused of manipulating the system to exceed the permissible number of attempts in the Civil Services Examination (CSE), Khedkar’s actions have led to her disqualification and permanent debarment from future UPSC examinations.
The controversy surrounding Khedkar escalated when the UPSC conducted a thorough investigation into the records of over 15,000 candidates spanning 15 years. The Commission discovered that Khedkar had employed deceptive tactics, including changing her name and even her parents’ names, to gain additional attempts at the examination. While the maximum attempts allowed for candidates in the general category is six and nine for OBC candidates, Khedkar reportedly attempted the exam twelve times, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the examination process.
Khedkar’s background adds another layer to this troubling narrative. Coming from a high-profile family, her father, Dilip Khedkar, is a retired administrative officer. Despite her privileged background, Khedkar’s actions have tarnished her reputation and raised questions about the effectiveness of the UPSC’s verification processes. The Commission stated that it could not determine the exact number of attempts Khedkar made due to her manipulation of personal details, which prevented the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) from detecting her fraudulent activities.
The UPSC’s findings revealed that Khedkar’s case was unique; no other candidate had been found to have availed more attempts than allowed under the CSE rules. The Commission is now in the process of strengthening its SOP to prevent similar incidents in the future. This includes enhancing the scrutiny of candidates’ identities and the validity of their submitted documents.
In addition to the attempts issue, Khedkar has faced allegations regarding the submission of false certificates, particularly concerning her claims under the OBC and PwBD categories. The UPSC clarified that while it conducts preliminary checks on certificates, it does not have the capacity to verify the authenticity of thousands of documents submitted each year. This gap in the verification process has raised concerns about the integrity of the examination system.
Khedkar’s case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the UPSC in maintaining the integrity of its examination process. As the Commission continues to investigate and implement reforms, the fallout from Khedkar’s actions will likely have lasting implications for future candidates and the credibility of the civil services examination in India.
In conclusion, Puja Khedkar’s deceitful maneuvers to manipulate the UPSC examination system have not only led to her disqualification but have also prompted a critical examination of the processes in place to ensure fair play in one of India’s most prestigious examinations. The UPSC’s commitment to reforming its procedures will be essential in restoring public trust and maintaining the integrity of the civil services.
