UPSC Cancels Puja Khedkar’s Candidature, Bars Her from Future Exams

New Delhi, July 31 2024 : The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has annulled the provisional candidature of Puja Khedkar, a trainee Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2023 batch. The UPSC also imposed a permanent ban on her from appearing for any future examinations or selections.

The decision comes amid a series of controversies surrounding Khedkar, who was provisionally recommended for the Civil Services Examination 2022 (CSE-2022). The Commission’s announcement stated: “Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) cancels the provisional candidature of Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar and permanently debars her from all future exams and selections.”

Khedkar, a Maharashtra cadre IAS officer, was previously in the news for demanding a separate cabin and additional staff, leading to her transfer from Pune to Washim. She also faced allegations of securing her IAS position under dubious circumstances, including claims of using Other Backward Class (OBC) and visually impaired categories, and submitting a mental illness certificate.

Adding to the controversy, Khedkar’s mother, Manorama Khedkar, gained media attention after a video surfaced showing her brandishing a pistol during an alleged land dispute. Manorama Khedkar was subsequently arrested by Pune Police on July 18 for possessing an illegal firearm.