Ahmednagar, Maharashtra – The Ahmednagar District Hospital in Maharashtra has officially certified Puja Khedkar, a probationary Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, with disabilities including depression and myopic degeneration in both eyes, amounting to 51 percent disability.
Dr. Sanjay Ghogare, Ahmednagar District Civil Surgeon, confirmed to The Indian Express that a report certifying her disabilities had been submitted to District Collector S. Salimath and would subsequently be forwarded to the Nashik divisional commissioner on Tuesday.
According to the report, Dr. S. V. Raskar, an ophthalmic surgeon, diagnosed Khedkar on April 25, 2018, with “BE High Myopia with myopic degeneration with 40 percent permanent disability,” leading to the issuance of a disability certificate. Additionally, on January 18, 2021, she was evaluated by Dr. Yogesh Gadekar, a psychiatrist, and Minal Katkol, a clinical psychologist, who determined her to be suffering from depression, using the Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale.
Khedkar, who faced scrutiny over her conduct and entitlements, including demands for separate office space, an official car, and unauthorized use of a beacon on her private vehicle, had her disability certifications verified for authenticity. The certificates, confirming low vision in both eyes (40 percent disability) and temporary depression (20 percent disability over three years), were found to be valid.
The controversy surrounding Khedkar escalated after questions emerged regarding her appointment under Other Backward Class (OBC) benefits and disability concessions. Subsequently, a one-member committee was formed by the Centre to investigate the allegations against her. The committee is expected to submit its report within two weeks.
The recent certification by the Ahmednagar District Hospital validates Khedkar’s disabilities as per established norms, acknowledging her visual impairment and mental health condition.
