Probe Initiated Against IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Over Disability Claims
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 16th July. Probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, accused of misrepresenting herself under the physical disabilities category, was found to have only a 7 percent locomotor disability, according to an official statement on Tuesday. Dr. Rajendra Wable, Dean of YCM Hospital, confirmed that Khedkar had visited the hospital for examination purposes after following the online application process in 2022.
“She (IAS officer Puja Khedkar) applied in August 2022 for disability certification regarding her left limb knee joint. After due application online, she was assessed by our multiple departments. In the end, it was found that she has a 7 percent locomotor disability. This certificate was issued on August 21,” Dr. Rajendra Wable claimed.
Pune Police to Conduct Inquiry
The latest claims come as the Pune Police prepare to conduct an inquiry into the authenticity of medical certificates submitted by Puja Khedkar. The 2023-batch officer, currently posted in Washim district, had submitted multiple medical certificates to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), including one indicating visual impairment, under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) provision.
The 34-year-old Maharashtra cadre officer faces accusations of using fraudulent means to clear her civil services exam, including allegedly misrepresenting herself under the physical disabilities and OBC categories, and misusing power and privileges during her posting in Pune.
Official Actions and Statements
The Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has written a letter to the Pune police and the district collectorate to verify the certificates submitted by Khedkar.
It has also emerged that the controversial junior IAS officer had submitted a fitness certificate while securing admission to a private medical college in 2007.
Centre Sets Up Committee for Probe
Last week, the Centre established a single-member committee “to verify the candidature” of Khedkar and submit a report within two weeks. The government stated that the probe would be conducted by an additional secretary-rank officer to verify the candidature claims and other details of the IAS officer.
Khedkar, on Monday, sidestepped questions related to the ongoing probe against her, stating that the truth will eventually prevail.
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