Pune News: Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer, recently faced a transfer from Pune to the Washim district in Maharashtra after accusations of misusing her power. Khedkar, who ranked 821 in the UPSC exams, has been relocated following a series of controversies.
Allegations of Misuse of Power
As an assistant collector in Pune, Khedkar allegedly took advantage of facilities not meant for probationary officers. Reports claim she used a red-blue beacon and a “Maharashtra Government” board on her private Audi car. She also allegedly occupied the ante-chamber of Additional Collector Ajay More without permission, removed office furniture without consent, and requested unauthorized facilities.
Official Actions and Transfer
Pune Collector Suhas Divase wrote to the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra about these issues, leading to Khedkar’s transfer to Washim. Here, she will complete her probationary period as a supernumerary assistant collector.
Allegations Involving Khedkar’s Father
Further complicating the situation, Khedkar’s father, a retired administrative officer and recent Lok Sabha candidate from the Ahmednagar seat under the Vanchit Aghadi banner, is said to have pressured the District Collector’s office to meet his daughter’s demands.
RTI Activist Raises Questions
Pune RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar raised concerns about Khedkar’s eligibility under the OBC non-creamy layer category. Kumbhar pointed out that Khedkar’s father declared assets worth Rs 40 crore and an annual income of Rs 49 lakh in his election affidavit. According to Kumbhar, these figures suggest that Khedkar should not qualify for the OBC non-creamy layer status, which is reserved for individuals whose parents earn less than Rs 8 lakh annually.
Kumbhar demanded a thorough investigation into Khedkar’s IAS application and her past. He argued that either Khedkar misrepresented her status or her father’s election affidavit was inaccurate. Kumbhar also mentioned that Khedkar’s father owns 110 acres of land, violating the Agriculture Land Ceiling Act, which limits land ownership to 54 acres.
Khedkar’s Response
Khedkar joined her new post in Washim as a supernumerary assistant collector on Wednesday. When questioned about the allegations, she stated that she had officially started her duties but could not speak to the media due to service rules.
Call for Investigation
Kumbhar insists on a detailed investigation to uncover the truth about Khedkar’s eligibility and the claims surrounding her family’s assets. He also pointed out that Khedkar’s own income of Rs 17 lakh should be considered in the investigation.
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