Puja Khedkar achieved an 821st rank in the UPSC 2022 exam, a rank typically insufficient for an IAS position in the OBC category, where the cutoff was 434. Despite this, Puja secured an IAS role by claiming multiple disabilities, a factor that significantly altered her eligibility.
Puja Khedkar’s Discrepancies in Disability Claims
In her 2019 UPSC attempt, Puja Khedkar did not claim any disabilities and failed to secure an IAS position due to low marks. However, in 2022, she submitted a certificate to UPSC asserting physical disabilities, which allowed her to qualify under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities category, a provision for candidates with specific disabilities.
Controversy and Certification Rejection
Despite her claim being rejected by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Puja was selected for an IAS position. Her disability claim was classified as type five, the least severe, which nevertheless facilitated her success in securing the role despite her lower overall rank.
Financial and Eligibility Concerns
Questions arose about Puja Khedkar’s eligibility due to her financial background. She reported owning significant property and income far exceeding the Rs 8 lakh limit required for OBC category exemptions. With properties valued at Rs 1.93 crore and an annual income of Rs 42 lakh, her eligibility for disability and OBC exemptions is under scrutiny, raising concerns about the integrity of her claims.
The case of Puja Khedkar highlights complexities in the UPSC selection process and the need for rigorous verification of eligibility claims to ensure fairness and transparency.
