In a statement, the commission confirmed it had conducted a detailed and thorough investigation into the misconduct of Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, who was provisionally recommended as a candidate for the Civil Services Examination 2022.
“The UPSC has, 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” the notice reads.
Following UPSC’s complaint, the Delhi Police have registered a case against Khedkar for cheating, fraudulence, and forgery.
Who is Puja Khedkar?
Puja Khedkar is a probationary IAS officer who secured an All India Rank of 821 in the UPSC exams. She is accused of allegedly misusing her authority. Khedkar has faced scrutiny for her alleged demands, such as requesting a separate cabin and staff during her posting in Pune. She is also accused of misusing the disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) quotas to gain a position in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
What is the controversy?
Additionally, Khedkar reportedly used a red beacon light on her Audi car and had ‘Maharashtra Government’ written on it without authorization. Due to the controversy, she was transferred from Pune to Washim district before completing her training.
On Thursday, July 18, the General Administrative Department (GAD) of the Maharashtra government, led by Additional Chief Secretary Nitin Gadre, submitted a report on the various allegations against Khedkar to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) of the Union government.
The report was also sent to the Centre’s one-member committee, headed by Additional Secretary Manoj Dwivedi, which is investigating the case.
Check the official notice below-
Grounds for disqualification from Civil Services Examination
Providing incorrect or false information: Candidates found making false statements or suppressing material information are subject to disqualification and possible criminal prosecution. They may also face a 10-year debarment from future examinations and selections by the Commission.
Misleading information on number of attempts: If a candidate provides misleading information regarding the number of attempts availed, their candidature is cancelled for that particular examination, and they are debarred for 10 years from all future examinations/selections by the Commission.
Tampering with answer sheets: Any attempt to tamper with answer sheets, such as marking in an unauthorised manner, using different types of pens if not allowed, or altering the answer sheet after submission, will lead to disqualification.
Failure to provide No Objection Certificate (NOC): Government employees applying for the examination must submit a No Objection Certificate from their current employer. Failure to produce the NOC can result in the rejection of their application.
Engaging in unfair means: Any form of cheating, such as copying from another candidate, using unauthorised materials, or attempting to gain an unfair advantage through deceptive means, is prohibited and leads to immediate disqualification.
Impersonation: Attempting to appear for the examination on behalf of another person or allowing someone else to appear on their behalf is a serious offence that results in immediate disqualification.
Providing false information in application: Candidates providing false or misleading information about their educational qualifications, age, category, etc., will be disqualified.
Causing disturbance in examination hall: Creating disturbances in the examination hall, such as talking, causing disruptions, or refusing to comply with the invigilator’s instructions, can lead to disqualification.
Carrying prohibited items: Bringing prohibited items into the examination hall, such as mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators (if not allowed), or any electronic devices, violates examination rules and results in disqualification.
Non-compliance with dress code: Failing to adhere to prescribed dress code requirements, especially during physical test rounds, can result in disqualification.
