New Delhi: Amid ongoing controversy regarding Puja Khedkars disability, Manoj Soni, Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), has tendered his resignation citing personal reasons, according to sources familiar with the matter. His resignation comes nearly five years before the scheduled end of his tenure in 2029. Sources close to the UPSC disclosed that Sonis decision to resign is unrelated to the ongoing controversy involving probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar. Khedkar is facing allegations of submitting fraudulent disability and caste certificates during her selection process.Career trajectory and academic backgroundManoj Soni, an esteemed scholar of political science with a specialization in international relations studies, joined the UPSC as a member in 2017. He assumed the role of Chairperson on May 16, 2023, overseeing critical responsibilities including the conduct of the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE).Previous roles and achievementsBefore his tenure at UPSC, Soni served as Vice-Chancellor at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU), Gujarat, from 2009 to 2015. He also held the position of Vice-Chancellor at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda from 2005 to 2008, becoming the youngest VC in India during his tenure at MSU Baroda.UPSC action against Puja KhedkarIn a separate development, the UPSC has filed a criminal case against Puja Khedkar for allegedly misrepresenting and falsifying facts to gain advantage in UPSC examinations. This has led to a show cause notice issued to Khedkar for potential cancellation of her selection and future examination debarment. Delhi Police has registered a case against Khedkar involving charges of forgery and cheating based on UPSCs complaint. The sudden resignation of Manoj Soni has raised speculation about the future leadership of UPSC and its impact on upcoming examinations and administrative processes. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders await further developments regarding Sonis resignation acceptance and succession planning within the esteemed constitutional body.
