In a major scandal shaking up the Indian bureaucracy, IAS officer Puja Khedkar has been discharged from service by the UPSC for cheating and taking advantage of OBC and disability quota benefits. This comes after a month of her selection being cancelled and her being barred from future exams. The controversy has brought to light loopholes in the selection process and has resulted in the scrutiny of over 15,000 candidates.
IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Discharged for Cheating and Disability Quota Abuse
In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through the Indian bureaucracy, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has discharged IAS officer Puja Khedkar from service for cheating and taking advantage of OBC and disability quota benefits. This extraordinary action comes after a month of her selection being canceled and her being barred from future exams.
Background
Puja Khedkar, a resident of Aurangabad, Maharashtra, was selected for the IAS in 2019. However, soon after her selection, allegations surfaced that she had misrepresented her caste and disability status to secure admission to the IAS through the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability quota, respectively.
Investigation and Findings
The allegations against Khedkar prompted the UPSC to initiate an investigation. The probe revealed that Khedkar had produced a false OBC certificate to claim OBC status, which provided her with a relaxation in the cutoff marks for the IAS exam. Additionally, she had submitted a medical certificate declaring a disability of 40%, which entitled her to additional benefits during the exam. However, the investigation found that Khedkar did not have this level of disability.
Consequences
Based on the findings of the investigation, the UPSC canceled Khedkar's selection for the IAS in September 2023. Subsequently, it barred her from appearing in any future UPSC exams. The latest development, her discharge from service, is the culmination of the UPSC's disciplinary proceedings against her.
Impact
The scandal involving Puja Khedkar has exposed significant loopholes in the selection process for the IAS. It has raised questions about the authenticity of caste and disability certificates submitted by candidates and has prompted the UPSC to implement stricter verification mechanisms. The controversy has also led to the scrutiny of over 15,000 candidates who have been selected for government jobs through various quotas.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the specific charge against Puja Khedkar? Answer: Cheating and taking advantage of OBC and disability quota benefits.
2. What were the specific misrepresentations made by Khedkar? Answer: She produced a false OBC certificate and a medical certificate declaring a disability of 40%.
3. What actions has the UPSC taken against Khedkar? Answer: Canceled her selection for the IAS, barred her from future exams, and discharged her from service.
4. What are the broader implications of this scandal? Answer: It has exposed loopholes in the UPSC selection process and raised questions about the authenticity of caste and disability certificates.
5. What measures is the UPSC taking to prevent such incidents in the future? Answer: Implementing stricter verification mechanisms for caste and disability certificates.
A controversial Indian guru known as Rampal and 14 of his followers have been given a life sentence for the murder of four women and a young child at his ashram in 2014. The victims died from suffocation after being locked in a room during a stand off between the guru's supporters and police. This sentencing comes after years of legal battles and controversies surrounding the guru and his followers.
The 55th GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer resulted in a flood of demands for disaster-specific levy by several states, following a request from Andhra Pradesh for a 1% GST levy to fund their flood recovery efforts. A Group of Ministers has been formed to examine the legal and structural issues surrounding this proposal, which was discussed in detail during the council meeting. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that other states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Telangana have also expressed interest in being a part of the committee. The issue of a similar flood-cess levy by Kerala in 2019 was also brought up, with other states showing support for Andhra Pradesh's demand.
After highly anticipated negotiations, the Mahayuti alliance announced its cabinet portfolios for Maharashtra's ministers on Saturday evening. Highlights include CM Devendra Fadnavis retaining the Home Ministry and Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena receiving the Urban Development portfolio. This comes after the alliance dropped several leaders from its cabinet expansion. The winter session of the Maharashtra legislative assembly concluded today with six days of intense discussions and debates. Additional key meetings will take place today regarding the portfolio distribution for the new cabinet, with several key players vying for key positions.
The Foreign Secretary has confirmed that the UK has had "diplomatic contact" with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group responsible for overthrowing Syrian President Bashar-al Assad. This comes after a period of uncertainty about whether the UK should engage with HTS due to its designation as a terrorist organization. Despite its proscription, the UK maintains diplomatic contact with HTS as a necessary measure.
The National Students’ Union of India Punjab President, Isherpreet Singh Sidhu, strongly condemns the arrest of Aden Karanveer Singh by SHO Narinder for peacefully protesting for Senate Elections at the Panjab University Bachao Morcha. Sidhu highlights how such actions not only violate the democratic right to dissent but also lead to the loss of Punjab's bright minds and the creation of figures like Lawrence Bishnoi. He calls for immediate action against SHO Narinder and urges higher authorities to intervene and ensure justice for the students. Sidhu reaffirms NSUI Punjab's support for the students and their demand to be heard, respected, and empowered.
The Assembly was abuzz with discussions on the tragic Sandhya Theater stampede, with AIMIM floor leader Akbaruddin calling for a thorough investigation into the incident. He also criticized Allu Arjun for not visiting the hospital to meet the victims. CM Revanth Reddy assured that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted and necessary action would be taken in response to the incident.
Isherpreet Singh Sidhu, the National Students' Union of India Punjab President, strongly denounces the arrest of Karanveer Singh for peacefully protesting at the Panjab University Bachao Morcha and the alleged manhandling by SHO Narinder. Sidhu considers this a violation of democratic principles and a tactic used to suppress the voices of Punjab's youth. He demands immediate and strict action against the police officer and urges higher authorities to intervene and ensure justice for the students. The NSUI Punjab stands in solidarity with the students, emphasizing the need to respect their voices and empower them.
In a fiery speech, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy addressed the criticism from opposition leaders regarding the Rythu Bharosa scheme. He assured citizens that the government is committed to fulfilling all promises made and provided updates on the scheme's implementation. Reddy also highlighted the inclusivity of the process and denounced the previous government for misusing funds meant for farmers.
Congress leader Laxmi Hebbalkar, who is known for her feisty demeanor, has been embroiled in a recent controversy where she has accused BJP MLC C T Ravi of using derogatory terms against her. She has taken a stand for women's rights and filed a complaint of sexual harassment against Ravi, leading to his arrest. Hebbalkar, who is considered a close associate of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, has managed to secure the support of the Congress leadership in her fight against injustices. However, her political career has not been without drama and controversies, including a falling out with the Jarkiholi brothers.
Delhi's ruling party, AAP, has announced a scholarship scheme for Dalit students hoping to pursue higher education abroad. With the upcoming assembly polls in mind, party chief Arvind Kejriwal presented this initiative at the party headquarters, with other party leaders in attendance. Meanwhile, the BJP gears up for the elections by shortlisting candidates and stating that the manifesto will be shaped based on the feedback received from the people of Delhi. Additionally, AAP's door-to-door campaign aims to register beneficiaries under two prominent welfare schemes.