Pune: The troubles for IAS officer Pooja Khedkar are escalating. On Tuesday, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, canceled her training program associated with Maharashtra. Furthermore, the academy has issued an urgent recall, requiring her to report back by July 23.
Twist in Disability Certificate Controversy
A new development has emerged in the controversy surrounding her selection for the UPSC with a disability certificate. The certificate, obtained from Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital in Pune, has come under scrutiny, raising numerous questions about the selection process.
Key Findings from the Disability Certificate
- Disability Percentage: The certificate, dated August 24, 2022, indicates that Khedkar is 7% disabled.
- UPSC Requirement: According to UPSC regulations, a minimum of 40% disability is required to qualify under the disabled quota.
- Expert Opinion: Dr. Rajendra Wabale, Dean of Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital, clarified that a 7% disability indicates no significant impairment. Khedkar’s condition relates to locomotor disability, affecting her mobility.
Irregularities in Address Details
The certificate also contains discrepancies in the address provided. The stated address, “Plot No. 53, Dehu Alandi Road, Talawade Pimpri Chinchwad,” is linked to a factory named Thermoverta Engineering Company rather than a residential property. Notably, Khedkar’s Audi, which was seized, is registered under this company.
Police Investigation Ordered
The Disability Commissioner’s Office in Pune has directed the police to investigate the legitimacy of the certificate presented by Pooja Khedkar, further intensifying the scrutiny on her UPSC selection.
Implications and Next Steps:
This unfolding saga raises serious questions about the integrity of the selection process and the verification of disability claims in the UPSC examinations. As the investigation progresses, it will be crucial to monitor how these findings impact Pooja Khedkar’s career and the broader implications for administrative procedures.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Officer in Question | Pooja Khedkar |
| Training Academy | LBSNAA, Mussoorie |
| Training Program Status | Canceled |
| Recall Deadline | July 23 |
| Disability Certificate Issued | Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital, Pune |
| Disability Percentage | 7% |
| Required Disability Percentage | 40% |
| Certificate Date | August 24, 2022 |
| Address Discrepancy | Linked to Thermoverta Engineering Company, not a residence |
| Police Investigation | Ordered by Disability Commissioner’s Office, Pune |
This detailed overview sheds light on the complex issues surrounding IAS officer Pooja Khedkar, underscoring the need for transparency and adherence to rules in the selection process.
