Did trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar fake disability?

New Delhi: Probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar is in the news after she was transferred from Pune for alleged misuse of power. The controversy led to the uncovering of details about her attempts at the civil services exam, revealing that she claimed to be visually impaired and mentally ill in the affidavit submitted to the Union Public Service Commission.

The disabilities mentioned by Khedkar were used to receive special concessions during her UPSC selection. Despite her low examination marks, these concessions made it possible for her to clear the exams, and she secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 821.

Following her selection, the UPSC required her to undergo medical tests to verify her disabilities. However, Khedkar refused to attend these examinations on six different occasions.

Apart from the disability claims, inconsistencies were also found in Khedkar's claims to OBC non-creamy layer status.

Ms. Khedkar has repeatedly skipped her medical examination no less than six times by giving various excuses despite being asked to report at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi for verification of her disability certificate.

Speaking to reporters in Washim today before joining the administration, Ms. Khedkar refused to comment on her controversies, merely saying: I am very happy to join in Washim district [administration]. I am looking forward to working here I am not authorised to comment on this issue as government rules do not to speak anything on this matter.

As per reports, Ms. Khedkar, 2023 batch IAS officer, who was posted as Additional Collector in Pune, sought special privileges including a separate office, house, car, and staff (including a constable) before taking charge as an assistant collector perks not given to trainee officers amid allegations that her father, a retired IAS officer, allegedly used his influence to get his daughters demands fulfilled.

She even used a Government of Maharashtra sticker and a red-blue beacon on her private luxury sedan, an Audi, while on probation in Pune.