IAS officer Dr Pooja Khedkar in hot water over alleged fake disability, income certificates

Dr. Pooja Khedkar, a 2022 batch IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre, is at the center of a major controversy. Allegations have surfaced that claim that she submitted fake disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates to secure her position in the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS). The case has raised significant questions about the integrity of the selection process and the safeguards in place to prevent such incidents.

Allegations on the IAS

Dr. Khedkar reportedly appeared for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam under the OBC and visually impaired categories. She also submitted a certificate indicating mental illness to obtain her IAS posting. These documents were essential for her claim to reservations and benefits accorded to individuals with disabilities and those from backward classes. She also mentioned that she is has no income support and that her parents are seprated and she is not in touch.

IAS Officer Dr.Pooja Khedkar issue needs to be investigated as the huge anger amongst the UPSC/MPSC aspirants. Now this video clip (of her mock interview taken by her coaching academy) gets viral on social media. If what’s she says is true then, she might have escaped the crème… pic.twitter.com/sKJTBgQGdE

— Ashish Jadhao (@ashish_jadhao) July 10, 2024

After her selection, Dr. Khedkar was called for a medical verification by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi. This step was crucial to confirming the authenticity of her disability certificate. However, Dr. Khedkar declined to attend the medical test, citing a COVID-19 infection in April 2022 as her reason for non-compliance. This refusal has raised suspicions about the legitimacy of her claims. In her affidavit, Dr. Khedkar mentioned that she had no income source and claimed her parents were separated. She stated that she had limited contact with them and that her father is a civil servant. These personal details were likely provided to bolster her case for reservations and benefits. However, the veracity of these claims is now under scrutiny.

The controversy has reached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), where documents and affidavits related to Dr. Khedkar's claims have been submitted. The CAT is now tasked with investigating the matter and determining whether there was any wrongdoing on Dr. Khedkar's part. The tribunal's findings will be crucial in deciding her future in the IAS.

Impact on UPSC and Reservation Policies

This case has highlighted potential loopholes in the UPSC selection process and the verification of disability and reservation claims. It underscores the need for stricter measures and more rigorous verification procedures to ensure that only genuinely deserving candidates benefit from these provisions. The integrity of the UPSC exam and the fairness of the reservation policies are at stake.

The public's reaction to this controversy has been mixed. Some have expressed sympathy for Dr. Khedkar, citing the pressures and challenges faced by candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds. Others have called for strict action against her if found guilty, to preserve the credibility of the IAS and the UPSC process. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar allegations are handled in the future. As the investigation by the CAT and other authorities continues, the focus remains on ensuring justice and maintaining the integrity of the selection process. Whether Dr. Khedkar's claims are validated or disproven, this case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public service recruitment.