The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination stands as one of India's most esteemed and rigorous tests, serving as a gateway to illustrious careers in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and various other central services. It demands not only intellectual prowess but also a profound commitment to public service and ethical conduct. Successful candidates, upon clearing this arduous examination, assume pivotal roles in shaping the governance and development landscape of the nation.

Among those who emerged from this crucible is Puja Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer, securing an all-India rank of 841. Her journey, however, has been clouded by controversy and allegations that have cast shadows over her professional conduct and integrity.

Reports have surfaced questioning the legitimacy of her attempts at the UPSC examination, with claims that she exceeded the permissible number of tries, allegedly attempting the exam 11 times against the sanctioned 9 attempts for OBC and PwD categories. Furthermore, controversies have arisen regarding her conduct during her tenure, including demands for privileges not typically accorded to probationary officers and incidents of contentious behaviour at her workplace, notably at the Pune Collectorate where she was stationed.

Moreover, serious allegations have been levelled against Puja Khedkar and her father, Dilip Khedkar, involving corruption and unethical practices. Dilip Khedkar, a former civil servant, faced multiple suspensions under various civil service conduct rules. These allegations have raised significant concerns about the transparency and ethical standards within the bureaucratic framework. Her mother has also been seen threatening people with a gun.

Another contentious issue revolves around the acquisition of disability certificates. Puja Khedkar has been accused of obtaining forged disability certificates to secure her eligibility to attempt the UPSC examination. Reports suggest she obtained certificates from different medical authorities at various times, purportedly for visual impairment and mental illness, as well as a locomotor disability certificate citing an old knee injury.

The culmination of these controversies underscores the critical need for integrity, transparency, and adherence to ethical standards in public service. The allegations against Puja Khedkar highlight systemic vulnerabilities that require robust scrutiny and corrective measures to uphold the credibility and fairness of India's civil service examinations and bureaucratic appointments. Puja Khedkar can be marred from attempting all further examinations and her post as an officer can also be removed.

In conclusion, while the UPSC examination serves as a beacon for meritocracy and public service, instances such as these necessitate diligent oversight and stringent enforcement of rules to maintain the sanctity of the selection process. We also should ensure that those entrusted with governance responsibilities uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.

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