IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar Recalled to Academy Amid Controversy

Mumbai, Maharashtra — The training of IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar, a 32-year-old officer from the 2023 Maharashtra cadre, has been put on hold, and she has been immediately recalled to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. This comes after a series of controversies surrounding her conduct and eligibility.

Additional Chief Secretary Nitin Gadre of the General Administration Department issued a written order to Dr. Khedkar, informing her of the recall. The order, dated July 16, 2024, stated, “As per a letter from Deputy Director and In-Charge Establishment, dated September 16, 2024, it is informed that LBSNAA, Mussoorie, has decided to keep your District Training Programme on hold and immediately recall you for further action. Therefore, you are hereby relieved from the District Training Programme of State Government of Maharashtra.”

This decision follows a report submitted by the Maharashtra government regarding Khedkar’s conduct during her training period. Khedkar’s training has been paused amidst allegations of misconduct, including the use of false OBC non-creamy layer and disability certificates. Former Pune Divisional Commissioner Dilip Band and former Maharashtra Deputy Director (Audit) Digambar Nemadi expressed their surprise and concern over the situation, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

A senior government official suggested that Khedkar could be dismissed from the IAS if the allegations of submitting false certificates are proven true. IAS officers, including trainees, are governed by strict conduct rules that demand integrity, devotion to duty, and ethical behavior. Probationary officers are entitled to specific allowances but are not eligible for the special powers and privileges of confirmed IAS officers.

Khedkar, a trained doctor from Pune, first attracted national attention last week after being transferred from Pune to Washim following complaints of alleged misuse of power. Reports indicated that she demanded facilities not entitled to probationary officers, including a separate office, residential quarters, an official car, and staff. Allegations also included her use of a private luxury car with a VIP number plate and beacon light, and rearranging office furniture inappropriately.

Further complicating her situation, concerns were raised about the validity of her disability and OBC certificates, and her parents are involved in a land dispute case, with police unable to trace them. Discrepancies were also noted in her name during the civil services exams, where she used two different names.

Khedkar responded to the allegations, stating that the truth would prevail after she presents her case before the central committee. She emphasized her focus on learning and working as a probationer and criticized the media trial against her, asserting that the investigation’s outcome should be awaited.

The controversy surrounding Khedkar highlights the importance of adherence to conduct rules and the need for thorough investigations to maintain the integrity of the IAS cadre.