Amid controversy surrounding irrational demands of trainee IAS Puja Khedkar, Maharashtra government transferred her from Pune to Washim.
According to sources, the government has decided to move her following feedbacku from Suhas Diwase, district collector, Pune, who had sent a report about Khedkar's behaviour to the chief secretary of the state.
The government order — signed by S M Mahadik, assistant secretary, government of Maharashtra — said the transfer was done for administrative reasons. Highly placed sources in the government said the probation officer is likely to face an enquiry regarding the various complaints received against her.
Puja Khedkar, who had stood 841st in the country in the main civil services examinations, had been quite active on social media platforms with her Instagram account attracting more than 54,000 followers. However, post her controversy, all the posts have been deleted from her account.
What was the controversy of Puja Khedkar
Puja Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS whew as serving as assistant collector in Pune, had hit the headlines after she demanded for red beacon light on her vehicle, letter pads, as well as a separate office, staff and quarters.
“As a probationary officer, she is not entitled to any of the demands she put across. This is gross indiscipline and a enquiry should be conducted on her misconduct,” said a former IAS officer.
According to reports, Khedkar started using ref and blue beacon lights on her private vehicle when she didn't get atop on her official car. Moreover, Khedkar had allegedly converted the antechamber of a senior officer into her office without the knowledge or permission of that officer.
People who know her said that she was doing all these at the behest of her father, who was a senior officer in the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).
The tale of Khedkar entering the IAS is also well-known and notorious.
According to the UPSC communication dated February 2, 2022, Pooja Khedkar was denied an appointment. However, she filed an affidavit in court claiming to be visually challenged and mentally unwell, and her suit sought an order against the federal government and UPSC.
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