Pune: Trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar has been removed from the District Training Programme in Maharashtra amid allegations of misconduct. The Maharashtra State Government decided to recall Khedkar to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie on Tuesday.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Khedkar has been instructed to rejoin the LBSNAA in Mussoorie by July 23, 2024. Additionally, a case has been filed against her parents, Manorma Khedkar and Dilip Khedkar, for allegedly threatening farmers with a pistol.
- The letter from Nitin Gadre, Additional Chief Secretary (P) read, “LBSNAA, Mussoorie has decided to keep your District Training Program on hold and immediately recall you for further necessary action.”
Maharashtra: Trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar relieved from District Training Program of State Government of Maharashtra.
The letter from Nitin Gadre, Additional Chief Secretary (P) reads, “…LBSNAA, Mussoorie has decided to keep your District Training Program on hold and… pic.twitter.com/FKx8CWZZ1r
— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) July 16, 2024
- Khedkar, who secured an All-India Rank (AIR) of 841 in the UPSC exam, was at the center of controversy for allegedly using a siren, VIP number plates, and a “Government of Maharashtra” sticker on her private Audi sedan.
- Additionally, she was accused of demanding facilities that are not available to probationary IAS officers, according to reports.
- Pune collector Suhas Diwse submitted a report to the General Administration Department detailing Khedkar’s repeated demands for a separate cabin, car, residential quarters, and a peon even before officially starting her duty on June 3. When denied these facilities, she allegedly removed the nameplate of a senior official and used his antechamber as her office.
- Pune RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar also raised questions about Khedkar’s appointment alleging that she did not fall under the OBC non-creamy layer as her father had assets worth Rs 40 crore.
- Additionally, Khedkar’s father, a retired administrative officer, reportedly pressured the district collector’s office to meet her demands.
