“The Puja Khedkar UPSC Scam: A Reflection of Systemic Corruption”

Introduction

• The recent exposure of Puja Khedkar’s alleged fraud in the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examinations has sent shockwaves through India, particularly among the lakhs of UPSC aspirants who dream of serving the nation through the prestigious civil services. This case not only highlights the potential loopholes in the system but also raises significant concerns about the integrity and fairness of the UPSC selection process. Let’s delve into the details of this incident and understand its broader implications.

The Background

• Puja Khedkar hails from a family deeply entrenched in politics and bureaucracy in Pathardi tehsil of Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. Her father, Dilip Rao Khedkar, a retired IAS officer and politician, has significant influence in the region. Puja’s mother, Manorma Khedkar, is the head of Bhalgaon village and has been involved in controversial activities, including threatening a farmer with a gun.

The Allegations

• Puja Khedkar’s journey through the UPSC examinations has been marred with allegations of fraud and misuse of the reservation system. Despite clearing the UPSC exams multiple times and securing ranks in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), her allocations were delayed due to unresolved legal issues.
• In her latest attempt, she applied under two reservation categories: OBC (Other Backward Classes) and PWBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities), claiming to have visual and mental impairments. However, when called for medical examination by AIIMS Hospital in New Delhi, she refused multiple times, citing COVID-19 and claustrophobia as reasons. This refusal led AIIMS to write to the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT), suggesting that her candidature should be reconsidered.

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) and Legal Battles

• Puja took her case to the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), arguing that her claustrophobia prevented her from undergoing an MRI scan. Despite her appeals, CAT refused to change the examination process. She then moved to the Bombay High Court, which ruled in her favor, asking for an alternative medical examination method. Eventually, she submitted an MRI scan from a private facility, which led to her receiving clearance and starting her training as an Assistant Collector in Pune.

Irregularities and Misconduct

• The controversy deepened as reports of her misconduct surfaced. Before officially joining her post, Puja made several demands for accommodations and privileges, such as a personal cabin, furniture, and even a VIP number plate for her private Audi car. These demands were unusual and raised questions about her entitlement mentality.
• Moreover, her family’s wealth and political connections came under scrutiny. Despite claiming zero income in a mock interview, her father’s election affidavit revealed assets worth over Rs. 40 crore and an annual income far exceeding the threshold for OBC non-creamy layer reservation.

The Detailed Findings

• Pune’s district collector Suhas Diwase submitted a 25-page report to Nitin Gadre, Maharashtra’s Additional Chief Secretary, highlighting numerous irregularities and demands made by Puja Khedkar even before her official posting. According to the report, on May 18, 2024, Puja called Deputy Commissioner of Police Vivek Bansare of Navi Mumbai, insisting that he release a man caught stealing steel. Despite her pressure, the Navi Mumbai police did not comply, and the accused remained in jail.
• While Pune’s district collector Suhas Diwase was right to point out that Puja made several demands before joining, he also noted that she occupied the additional collector’s chamber in Mumbai for four days, demanded furniture, a letterhead, and placed a board with her name outside the chamber. On the same day, her father called the tehsildar, threatening him for allegedly troubling his daughter and warning of severe consequences.
• In a stark contradiction, Puja claimed in a mock interview that her income was zero due to her parents’ separation and her lack of contact with her father. However, the district collector’s report indicated that her father worked alongside her at the district office on May 12 and 13. He demanded an office equipped with an attached restroom for her and insisted on changing the electrical fittings, making officials work overtime to meet his demands.
• Puja also applied for a beacon, a VIP number plate, and a Maharashtra Government Board for her private Audi A4 car. The district collector noted that while probationary officers typically do not receive such facilities, Puja’s demands were unprecedented and brought media attention. Following the controversy, the Maharashtra government transferred her to the Washim district, where she arrived in a normal Bolero instead of her Audi.
• When surrounded by the media, Puja claimed she was excited to join the Washim district but could not comment on the investigation as a government official. However, the district collector of Washim, Buveneswari S., reported that Puja did not join her duty on time and had not contacted any officials.

Misuse of Reservation System

• Puja’s case also highlights the misuse of the OBC reservation system. Despite her father’s substantial assets and income, Puja obtained an OBC non-creamy layer reservation. RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar revealed that her father’s election affidavit listed properties worth Rs. 40 crore, an annual income of Rs. 43 lakh, and extensive agricultural land, gold, and other assets. In contrast, the DOPT’s website stated that Puja herself owned properties worth Rs. 17 crore, generating an annual income of Rs. 48 lakh. This discrepancy raises serious questions about the integrity of the reservation system.

Implications for UPSC Aspirants

• This case has deeply affected the morale of UPSC aspirants across the country. The UPSC exams are known for their rigorous selection process, intended to ensure that only the most capable and deserving candidates are selected. The allegations against Puja Khedkar suggest that corruption and manipulation can undermine this process, causing despair and disillusionment among sincere aspirants.

Raising Our Voices

• As a community, we cannot remain silent in the face of such blatant corruption. This incident demands that we raise our voices collectively against the unfair practices that threaten the dreams of countless aspirants. It is time to stand together and demand transparency, accountability, and justice. The future of our nation depends on the integrity of our civil services, and we must not let corruption tarnish it.

Recommendations for UPSC Aspirants

1. Stay Informed and Vigilant: Be aware of the systemic issues and remain vigilant against any unfair practices.
2. Focus on Preparation: Despite the challenges, focus on your preparation with dedication and integrity.
3. Seek Support: Form study groups and join forums to share information and support each other.
4. Advocate for Change: Use your voice to advocate for reforms in the UPSC selection process and greater accountability in the system.

Conclusion

• The Puja Khedkar case is a significant incident that highlights the vulnerabilities in the UPSC examination process and the broader issue of corruption in the Indian administrative system. It serves as a call to action for both aspirants and authorities to work towards a more transparent and fair system, ensuring that merit and integrity remain the cornerstone of India’s civil services.

We must not let our dreams be shattered by corruption. Together, we can demand the change that is necessary for a brighter future. The fight for a fair and just system is a fight for our future, and it is a fight we must all undertake with unwavering resolve.