Puja Khedkar's Medical Certificate Raises More Questions: What Does it Reveal?

A medical certificate from 2007 declares Puja Khedkar 'medically fit' despite her claims of visual impairment. What does this mean for the controversial IAS officer?

Ias OfficerPuja KhedkarMedical CertificateUpscDisability QuotaObc QuotaReal Estate PuneJul 16, 2024

Puja Khedkar's Medical Certificate Raises More Questions: What Does it Reveal?
Real Estate Pune:A medical certificate submitted by trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar in 2007 has raised more questions about her claims of visual impairment. The certificate, obtained by India Today, declares Khedkar 'medically fit' and makes no mention of any visual or auditory disability. This revelation comes amidst allegations of misuse of power and lying about her OBC and disability status to secure a spot in the UPSC services.

Khedkar, a 2023 batch IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, has been embroiled in controversy after she was transferred from Pune to Washim for making inappropriate demands. The probationary officer allegedly demanded special privileges, including a separate office with an attached bathroom, a VIP hall, and an official residence. She was told that she was not entitled to these facilities during her probation period.

The medical certificate, issued by a doctor in Pune, states that Khedkar did not have any major visual or auditory disability and was fit to undergo her MBBS course at the Kashibai Navle Medical College. The college's director, Dr. Arvind Bhore, confirmed that Khedkar submitted a certificate indicating that she belongs to the Nomadic Tribes (NT) category and is from the Vanjari community. She also submitted a caste certificate and an OBC non-creamy layer certificate.

However, in her affidavit to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Khedkar claimed to be visually impaired. She missed six medical tests to verify her disability in 2022 and later submitted an MRI report from a private medical centre, which was accepted in 2023 after an eight-month delay.

The Centre has constituted a one-member panel to look into the matter, and Khedkar's actions have sparked widespread outrage. Her case has raised questions about the credibility of the UPSC selection process and the need for stricter scrutiny of candidates.

In the midst of this controversy, Khedkar has maintained that she has achieved everything through hard work. Her supporters have also come out in her defense, saying that she is being targeted due to her caste and social background. However, her detractors argue that her actions are a clear case of misuse of power and that she must be held accountable.

The Puja Khedkar controversy has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the UPSC selection process. It remains to be seen how the Centre's investigation will unfold and what implications it will have for Khedkar's future as an IAS officer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Puja Khedkar's medical certificate reveal?

The medical certificate declares Puja Khedkar 'medically fit' and makes no mention of any visual or auditory disability.

What allegations has Puja Khedkar faced?

Khedkar has faced allegations of misuse of power and lying about her OBC and disability status to secure a spot in the UPSC services.

What were Puja Khedkar's demands that sparked controversy?

Khedkar allegedly demanded special privileges, including a separate office with an attached bathroom, a VIP hall, and an official residence.

What is the Centre's response to the controversy?

The Centre has constituted a one-member panel to look into the matter.

What are the implications of this controversy?

The controversy has raised questions about the credibility of the UPSC selection process and the need for stricter scrutiny of candidates.

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