UPSC Examination and the Puja Khedkar Controversy: Transparency and Integrity Issues

Introduction

Current climate: Scandals in entrance exams, protests, Supreme Court involvement.
Focus of the talk: Questioning transparency and integrity in the UPSC examination process.
Key case: Puja Khedkar's recent activities and their implications for public trust in the UPSC and IAS officers.

Probationary officer: Joined as an IAS probationer and made immediate demands.
- VIP number plate for her Audi car (provided by a contractor, against service rules).
- Becon light: Placed on luxury car.
Misuse of Influence: Claimed and used facilities not meant for probationary officers.
- Took over Ajay More's chamber.
- Demanded personal staff, letterheads, visiting cards, etc.
- Backed by her father, a senior retired officer.
Complaint and Transfer: Lodged against her, leading to her transfer from Pune to Washim.
- Violation of the rule against posting probationary officers in their home district.

Unauthorized actions: Entered Maharashtra's Chief Secretary's cabin without permission.
Potential scam: Reports suggest a broader issue of systemic manipulation in the IAS recruitment process.
- Private wealth indicates no need for IAS for financial gain, implying personal and status motivations.
- Alleged assets: Includes agricultural land, plots, luxury cars, gold, and personal partnerships, estimated at 17-20 crores.

UPSC Categories: Claimed OBC and visually impaired categories.
Medical Verification: Refused verification tests multiple times (citing COVID as a reason).
Fake Certificate: Submitted a fake disability verification from a private hospital.
Joining Orders: Received despite invalid certificates and procedural irregularities.

Political and Nepotism Influence: Questions on the integrity of the UPSC selection process.
- Use of OBC and disability categories under false pretenses.
- Family background of administrative influence.
- Reportedly, father did not disclose correct personal details, manipulating the system.
Cultural Problems: Red beacon light and VIP culture prevalent even among probationary officers.
- Issues with probationers demanding undue perks and facilities.

Investigate the System: Understand if Khedkar's case is isolated or symptomatic of a wider issue.
Review Selection Process: Ensure UPSC exams are free from political and nepotism influences.
Transparency and Accountability: Strengthen verification processes for disability and OBC certificates.
Training and Ethical Guidelines: Reorient IAS training towards public service, not personal enrichment.

Broad skepticism about UPSC processes due to such cases, potentially leading to loss of trust.
Need for thorough systemic reform and enforcement of zero tolerance for corruption in UPSC to restore faith in the examination and recruitment process.