UPSC Cancels Puja Khedkar's IAS Candidature: A Case of Identity Fraud Crisis

Aspirations Shattered as UPSC cancels Puja Khedkar’s IAS selection due to Faking Identity. The full story behind Puja Khedkar’s disqualification from the IAS cadre due to identity fraud, and the implications this case has for the UPSC examination system.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) recently made headlines by cancelling the selection of Puja Khedkar as a trainee Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. Khedkar has been permanently barred from taking the UPSC entrance exam after being found guilty of faking her identity to take the exam multiple times. This decision has significant implications for the integrity of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and raises concerns about the security measures in place to prevent such fraud.

The Unfolding of the Puja Khedkar Controversy

The controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar began when the UPSC issued a Show Cause Notice (SCN) to her on July 18, 2024. The notification accused her of using a false name to fraudulently get attempts that were made beyond the amount allowed by the examination guidelines. Specifically, Khedkar was found to have violated the rules of the Civil Services Examination 2022.

The Show Cause Notice and Subsequent Response

In the SCN, Khedkar was asked to submit her response by July 25. However, she requested an extension until August 4. The UPSC granted her time until July 30, emphasizing that this was the final opportunity and that no further extensions would be allowed. Even with the delay, Khedkar didn’t send in her justification by the deadline. Consequently, the UPSC took action based on the available records, cancelling her provisional candidature for the CSE-2022 and debarring her permanently from all future UPSC examinations and selections.

The UPSC’s Statement and Findings

The UPSC’s statement on the matter revealed that Khedkar, a 34-year-old candidate, had manipulated her identity to bypass the examination rules. This included changing not only her name but also her parents’ names, allowing her to take multiple attempts beyond the permissible limit. The UPSC’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) initially failed to detect her number of attempts due to these forgeries.

In the wake of the Puja Khedkar episode, the UPSC examined data from over 15,000 candidates who cleared the IAS screening process between 2009 and 2023. This comprehensive review found no other candidate guilty of availing more attempts than permitted under the CSE rules. The UPSC acknowledged that the SOP needed strengthening to prevent such cases in the future.

The Legal and Social Ramifications

Police Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The repercussions of Khedkar’s actions extend beyond her disqualification. The Delhi Police lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against her following the UPSC’s preliminary inquiry. The investigation found that Khedkar had faked her name, the names of her parents, her address, phone number, and email address. These forgeries allowed her to evade scrutiny and take multiple attempts at the UPSC exams.

Khedkar, seeking anticipatory bail from Delhi’s Patiala House Court, expressed concerns that the police might insist on her custodial interrogation. The court has reserved its order on her plea, adding another layer of complexity to her situation. Additionally, police investigations against her parents remain open, potentially implicating them in the fraud.

UPSC’s Due Process and Future Measures

The UPSC has emphasized that due process was followed in Khedkar’s case. The thorough examination of data from thousands of candidates affirmed that Khedkar’s case was an isolated incident. Nonetheless, the UPSC is in the process of further strengthening its SOP to ensure that such frauds do not recur.

The Broader Implications for UPSC Aspirants

The Integrity of the Civil Services Examination

The Puja Khedkar incident has highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of the UPSC exams. As one of the most prestigious and challenging examinations in India, the CSE demands the highest standards of fairness and transparency. Any breach of these standards undermines public trust and can have far-reaching consequences for the selection process.

Strengthening Security Measures

The UPSC’s commitment to strengthening its SOP is a positive step towards preventing future incidents of fraud. This may involve implementing more robust identity verification processes, utilizing advanced technology for candidate tracking, and increasing collaboration with law enforcement agencies to detect and deter fraudulent activities.

Lessons for Aspirants

For UPSC aspirants, the Khedkar case serves as a cautionary tale. It underscores the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations of the examination process. Attempting to cheat the system not only risks disqualification but can also lead to severe legal consequences. Aspirants must recognize that integrity and honesty are paramount in their pursuit of a career in public service.

In a Nutshell

The cancellation of Puja Khedkar’s IAS candidature and her permanent debarment from UPSC exams mark a significant moment in the history of the Civil Services Examination. This incident has revealed vulnerabilities in the system that need to be addressed to maintain the examination’s credibility. As the UPSC works to strengthen its procedures, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including aspirants, to uphold the values of integrity and fairness that are fundamental to public service. The Khedkar case is a stark reminder that the path to success in the civil services must be paved with honesty and ethical conduct.