Issues in UPSC Examinations and IAS Recruitment System

Introduction

Concerns about the transparency and integrity of entrance exams, particularly NEET and UPSC.
Highlighting the case of Dr. Puja Khedkar and alleged systemic manipulation in IAS recruitment.

Initial Actions: Joined as a probationary officer in Pune, made unreasonable demands (e.g., VIP number plate, beacon light, personal staff, etc.) violating service rules.
Influence: Leveraged her father, a senior retired officer, to fulfill these demands, bypassing regulations.
Transfer: Complaints led to her transfer to Washim, raising questions about rule-bending in the transfer process.
PMO Involvement: The PMO has requested a report on her actions, and the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration is also investigating.
Further Incidents: Unauthorized entry into Maharashtra Chief Secretary’s cabin demonstrating misconduct.

Assets: Holds 110 acres of agricultural land, multiple plots and flats, luxury cars, substantial gold, partnerships with private companies, and personal assets worth 17-20 crores.
Wealth Transparency: Discrepancies in declared wealth between personal assets and her father’s election affidavit.
Reservation Misuse: Suspected misuse of OBC and disability certificates to gain entry into IAS.
Medical Verification Evasion: Refusal to undergo mandatory medical tests at AIIMS Delhi multiple times, later submitted a disputed certificate from a private hospital.

Systemic Issues: This case raises concerns about potential widespread manipulation within the IAS recruitment process.
Questions Raised: Possible issues of political and influential interference in UPSC exams, exploitation of reservation categories, and the integrity of the world’s most difficult exams.
Nepo Influence: Potential nepotism in IAS recruitment highlighted by Khedkar’s administrative family background.

Investigations: Must investigate the integrity of the reservation and disability certification processes in UPSC selections.
Transparency: Ensure no political or influential interference in IAS recruitment.
Training and Culture: Improve training and reduce entitlement culture among IAS officers.
Reformation: Systemic reforms in UPSC to maintain its credibility and fairness.
Action Points: Immediate steps to resolve doubts and prevent further erosion of trust in national examinations and recruitment processes.

The integrity of UPSC exams and the IAS recruitment process is crucial for public trust and effective administration.
Immediate and thorough investigations are necessary to address and rectify these serious concerns.