Pooja Khedkar is a 2023 batch IAS trainee who secured rank 821 in the UPSC exam. Her appointment as an IAS officer under the OBC non-creamy layer category has raised questions.
Dr. Pooja Khedkar, an IAS probationer stationed in Pune, has been transferred to Washim by the Maharashtra government due to allegations of power misuse.
The controversy surrounding Khedkar erupted on social media, where she was accused of demanding privileges not accorded to trainees. In response to numerous complaints, the Maharashtra government issued a transfer order, signed by Assistant Secretary SM Mahadik, citing administrative reasons.
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According to the order, “The 2023 batch IAS officer Pooja Khedkar will serve the remaining period of her probation as a supernumerary assistant collector in Washim district.”
Who is Pooja Khedkar?
Pooja Khedkar is a 2023 batch IAS trainee who secured rank 821 (PWD-5) in the UPSC exams. Reports indicate that she sparked controversy by using red-blue beacon lights on her private vehicle, a VIP number plate, letter pads, a nameplate, a separate office chamber, and dedicated staff, all of which she was not entitled to as a probationer.
Additionally, she installed a ‘Maharashtra government’ board on her private car and reportedly occupied the ante-chamber of Additional District Collector Ajay More without his knowledge.
As per regulations, trainees are not provided with such amenities and must first be appointed as gazetted officers.
Pooja Khedkar is the daughter of former civil servant Dilip Khedkar, who served as Commissioner of the Pollution Department. Her maternal grandfather, Jagannathrao Budhwant, was also a distinguished IAS officer.
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Controversy Over Non-Creamy Layer Status
Khedkar’s appointment as an IAS officer under the OBC non-creamy layer category has raised questions. Her father’s election affidavit indicates an income and wealth totaling ₹40 crores ($4,789,744).
RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar questioned the validity of her non-creamy layer status, stating, “How can such a net worth fall into the non-creamy layer? She has admitted to being mentally ill and a person with multiple disabilities, yet she has skipped medical examinations numerous times. How did she qualify for the IAS? These are significant questions.”