INTRODUCTION

• Puja Khedkar, a 2023 batch IAS officer, is facing scrutiny due to allegations of using fake physical disability and OBC quota claims to secure a civil service position, leading the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, to recall her and put her probationary period on hold and filed a criminal case against her.

ISSUES INVOLVED

The Pooja Khedkar case involves several significant issues:

• Fraudulent Practices:

• Fake Certificates: She allegedly used false disability and OBC certificates to secure her IAS position, undermining the integrity of the selection process.

• Avoidance of Verification: She avoided multiple verification tests by AIIMS, citing various excuses, which raises questions about her eligibility and honesty.

• Misuse of Authority:

• Unauthorised Demands: After joining, she made several unauthorised demands, such as a VIP number plate, private cabin, and additional staff, which is against the regulations for probationary officers.

• Influence and Political Connections: Allegations of using political influence to secure her posting and bypass regulations further complicate the situation​.

• Family Wealth and Eligibility:

• Non-Creamy Layer OBC Criteria: Her father's substantial wealth and high annual income contradict the criteria for the non-creamy layer OBC category, which questions her eligibility under this category.

• Current Status:

• The Union Public Service Commission has issued a notice to cancel selection of trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who is under investigation.

• The UPSC also filed a police case against Puja Khedkar for attempting the civil services exam beyond the permissible limit by faking her identity. T

• The Commission also issued a show cause notice to cancel her candidature in the 2022 civil services exam and bar her from future attempts as well.

CONSEQUENCES SHE MAY FACE, IF PROVEN GUILTY:

• Violations of the Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, can lead to severe consequences for civil servants:

• Termination of Service: She could be dismissed from the IAS and lose her position.

• Criminal Charges: She may face legal action under laws related to fraud and misrepresentation.

• Fines and Penalties: Financial penalties or restitution could be imposed.

• Loss of Reputation: Her professional and personal reputation could be severely damaged.

• Future Career Impact: Her career prospects in public service or other fields could be negatively affected.

CONSEQUENCES UPSC MAY FACE:

• Reputational Damage

• Public Trust: 

• The case undermines public confidence in the integrity and fairness of the UPSC examination process, which is known for being one of the most rigorous and prestigious in India.

• The controversies surrounding Khedkar’s recruitment and behaviour highlight issues of transparency in the selection and training process for civil servants.

• Media Scrutiny: 

• The widespread media coverage of the case highlights systemic vulnerabilities, potentially damaging the UPSC's reputation as a reliable and robust institution​.

• Procedural Reforms

• Enhanced Verification Processes: 

• The UPSC will likely need to implement more stringent verification processes for candidate credentials, including improved background checks and real-time verification of documents.

• Technological Upgrades: 

• Adoption of advanced technologies such as biometric verification, AI-driven monitoring systems, and blockchain for document verification to prevent future frauds​.

• Administrative and Legal Consequences

• Investigations and Legal Actions: 

• The UPSC may face pressure to conduct thorough investigations into the case and take legal action against those involved.

• Policy Amendments:

•  Review and amend existing policies to close loopholes that allowed the fraud to occur, ensuring stricter compliance with examination rules and procedures.

• Operational Impact

• Resource Allocation: 

• Additional resources may be needed to handle the increased scrutiny and to implement new verification technologies and processes, which could strain the UPSC's budget and operational capacity.

• Training and Awareness: 

• The UPSC may need to conduct training sessions for its staff on new verification procedures and fraud detection techniques to prevent similar incidents in the future.

WAY FORWARD

1. To enhance exam security by implementing:

• Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication or digital fingerprint capturing

• Facial recognition for candidates

• Use QR code scanning for e-Admit Cards

• Live AI-based CCTV surveillance during exams.

2. Strict Verification Processes:

• Enhanced Document Verification: Implement more rigorous and foolproof verification processes for certificates and documents submitted during the IAS selection process.

• Regular Audits: Conduct periodic audits of selected candidates to ensure ongoing compliance with eligibility criteria.

3. Legal Actions:

• Prosecution for Fraud: Pursue legal actions against Dr. Khedkar and any accomplices for submitting fraudulent documents and misusing her position.

• Review and Amend Policies: Review the policies regarding eligibility criteria and verification to prevent such incidents in the future.

4. Administrative Reforms:

• Clear Guidelines and Enforcement: Establish clear guidelines for the behaviour and demands of probationary officers, with strict enforcement mechanisms.

• Transparent Complaint Handling: Develop a transparent and fair mechanism for handling complaints and allegations against government officials to prevent misuse of power.

5. Awareness and Training:

• Ethics Training: Implement comprehensive ethics and integrity training for IAS officers and other government officials to promote ethical behaviour and accountability.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Conduct public awareness campaigns to educate candidates about the consequences of fraudulent practices and the importance of integrity in public service.

6. Independent Oversight:

• Third-Party Oversight: Introduce third-party oversight for the verification and selection process to ensure impartiality and transparency.

• Citizen Oversight Committees: Establish citizen oversight committees to monitor the conduct of government officials and report any misconduct or irregularities.

WHY PEOPLE RESORT TO FRAUDULENT PRACTICES? (GURU prasad BOX)

• High Competition and Pressure:

• Intense Competition: 

• The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the toughest and most competitive exams in India, with a very low success rate, this drives some candidates to adopt unethical practices to increase their chances of success.

• Societal and Family Pressure: 

• Candidates often face immense pressure from their families and society to secure prestigious government positions.

• Economic and Social Mobility

• Economic Incentives: A position in the civil services is associated with high salaries, job security, and numerous perks, making it a highly lucrative career option. 

• The desire for economic stability and upward mobility can push individuals towards fraudulent means.

• Social Status: The high social status and respect enjoyed by civil servants in India can motivate candidates to use unethical practices to ensure success.

• Lack of Ethical Awareness

• Ethical Lapses: Some individuals lack a strong ethical foundation or awareness of the long-term consequences of their actions, making them more likely to engage in fraudulent activities.

• Inadequate Preparation:

• Candidates who feel unprepared or inadequately equipped to compete may turn to fraud as a last resort to pass the exam.

• Influence of Corruption

• Prevalence of Corruption: In environments where corruption is widespread, individuals may believe that fraud is a necessary or acceptable means to achieve their goals.

• Weak Enforcement: Perceived or actual weaknesses in the enforcement of rules and consequences can embolden individuals to attempt fraud, believing they can avoid detection or serious punishment.

• Psychological Factors

• Fear of Failure: The fear of failure and its associated consequences, such as loss of face, financial strain, or career uncertainty, can drive candidates to resort to unethical practices.

  
  

  SHORT TAKE

  • The Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964:

  • Are a set of regulations established by the Government of India to govern the behaviour and conduct of civil servants.

  • Key aspects include:

  • General Conduct: Civil servants must maintain integrity, avoid conflicts of interest, and uphold the reputation of the service.

  • Prohibition of Corruption: Rules prohibit accepting gifts, bribes, or other forms of illicit gratification.

  • Political Activities: Civil servants are restricted from participating in political activities or holding political office.

  • Behaviour in Public: Rules mandate appropriate behaviour in public and private life to avoid actions that could tarnish the service's image.

  • Disciplinary Actions: Guidelines for disciplinary proceedings in case of violations, including penalties and procedures for addressing misconduct.

CONCLUSION

The recent certificate manipulation controversy in the UPSC Civil Services Examination has damaged the institution's credibility, underscoring the need for stringent measures to prevent fraud and restore trust, as the system's true strength is shown not i

Tags:
Polity

Keywords:
Civil Servants Reservation PWD Act Ethics