Puja Khedkar’s fraudulent methods to manipulate the UPSC recruitment process

Source: The post Puja Khedkar’s fraudulent methods to manipulate the UPSC recruitment process has been created, based on the article “A case of excesses: Puja Khedkar’s entry in civil service calls into question the recruitment process” published in “The Hindu” on 8th August 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Governance-Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

Context: The article discusses Puja Khedkar’s fraudulent methods to manipulate the UPSC recruitment process, including fake certificates and misuse of privileges. It highlights the flaws in the examination system and calls for an overhaul to prevent such frauds and improve disability certification processes.

For detailed information on Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill 2024 read this article here

What Did Puja Khedkar Do?

1. Puja Khedkar allegedly committed multiple frauds in the UPSC recruitment process. As per the reports, she faked mental illness, visual impairment, and community certificates. She also used a disability certificate to gain advantages she otherwise wouldn’t have had. The Pune hospital that issued her disability certificate confirmed it was only for a 7% locomotor disability, which was insufficient for benefits.
2. Khedkar used her father’s position in the civil services to gain benefits. She also fabricated her OBC certificate and falsely claimed her parents were divorced to bypass exclusion criteria. Additionally, she used multiple identities to write tests.

What Is the Bigger Issue?

1. Widespread Fraud: Puja Khedkar’s case reveals severe loopholes in the UPSC recruitment process. She used fake certificates and multiple identities to gain undue advantages.
2. Examination System Flaws: The UPSC failed to detect her fraud despite numerous red flags.
3. Other Controversies: Qualification exams like NEET UG, NEET PG, and CUET have faced similar issues, indicating systemic problems.
4. Disability Certification: Genuine applicants struggle to get certifications, while Khedkar easily faked one.
5. Need for Overhaul: The government must revamp the competitive examination and disability certification systems to prevent future frauds.

Question for practice:

Examine how Puja Khedkar exploited loopholes in the UPSC recruitment process to gain undue advantages.