UPSC has issued a Show Cause Notice (SCN) for the cancellation of IAS Probationer Puja Khedkar candidature of the civil services examination-2022 and debarment from future examinations/selections.
New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday initiated a series of actions against probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, including the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) with the Police
Authorities against her for availing attempts in the civil services examination by faking identity. The Commission also issued a Show Cause Notice (SCN) for the cancellation of her candidature of the civil services examination-2022 and debarment from future examinations/selections.
While conducting a detailed and thorough investigation into the misdemeanour of probationary IAS officer Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, the Commission reveals 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 (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,” UPSC in an official notice said.
“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,” the Commission added.
Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer who secured an All India rank of 821 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams, has been at the centre of controversy. She has been facing multiple allegations against her including her purported demands for a separate cabin and staff during her posting in Pune, her abrupt transfer to Washim district, and her private Audi car with a red-blue beacon light and VIP number plate. Morevoer, she allegedly occupied the ante-chamber of Additional Collector Ajay More without permission, removed office furniture without consent, and requested unauthorised facilities.