Indian Govt. Sacks Puja Khedkar from IAS with Immediate Effect

The Indian government has discharged Puja Khedkar from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with immediate effect, according to official sources. This decision comes over a month after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) cancelled her selection. In an official statement, a government spokesperson said, “Ms. Puja Khedkar has been discharged from the IAS under Rule 12 of the IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954. This action was taken following the cancellation of her provisional candidature by the UPSC.”

Puja misused the OBC and disability quota

The UPSC had earlier found Khedkar guilty of misusing the OBC and disability quota benefits during the civil services examination. “The Commission discovered that Ms. Khedkar had manipulated her identity and misrepresented her eligibility, which led to her disqualification,” stated an official from the UPSC. Khedkar, who had been serving as a probationary officer in Maharashtra, has denied all allegations. “I have not manipulated or misrepresented my identity to the UPSC. I will challenge this decision in the court of law,” she asserted in her response to the Delhi High Court.

Nationwide outrage

The case has sparked nationwide controversy, with many questioning the integrity of the civil services examination process. “This incident has serious implications on public trust and the integrity of the civil services examinations,” remarked a senior official from the Department of Personnel and Training, reported Money Control. The UPSC has also initiated a criminal case against Khedkar for cheating, fraudulence, and forgery. “We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency in our selection process,” emphasized the UPSC official. As the legal proceedings continue, the central government has reiterated its commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and justice in the civil services. “We will ensure that such incidents do not undermine the credibility of our administrative services,” the government spokesperson concluded.