IAS Pooja Khedkar is constantly in the news (File)
Controversial IAS officer Pooja Khedkar has come into the limelight across the country due to her antics and strange demands. Pooja Vashim was transferred after the alleged abuse of his authority as a civil service officer came to light. However, the matter does not seem to end with the transfer and the Center has set up a committee to look into matters related to worship.
After being transferred, IAS officer Pooja Khedkar took charge as Assistant District Magistrate at Washim District Collectorate in Vidarbha region of the state on Thursday. However, during this time he refused to answer any questions regarding the use of illegal methods to pass the civil service examination.
If dispute escalates then transfer from Pune to Washim
Earlier this Monday, Pooja Khedkar was transferred from Pune to Washim due to allegations of bullying and misconduct. However, he is also being accused of allegedly misusing benefits under the disabled category and Other Backward Classes (OBC) to get a place in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Nana Jagannath was also an IAS officer
Pooja is a 2022 batch IAS officer of Maharashtra cadre. He secured 841st rank in UPSC exam. Pooja will now complete the remainder of her tenure as a trainee IAS in Washim till 30th July 2025. Pooja is the daughter of Dilip Khedkar, a former government employee of Pathardi, Ahmednagar. His grandfather Jagannathrao Budhwant was also an IAS officer.
While father Dilip was Commissioner in Pollution Department. After retirement, he also contested Lok Sabha elections from Ahmednagar South seat this year. Pooja’s mother Dr. Manorama Khedkar is a publicly appointed Sarpanch of Bhalgaon. Meanwhile, RTI activist Vijay Kumhar alleged that Pooja has assets worth Rs 17 crore.
The Center constituted an inquiry committee
Meanwhile, the Center on Thursday set up a one-member committee to probe the candidature claims and other details in the controversial Puja case. It is being said that the Additional Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT) will investigate the case. The committee will submit its report in two weeks.
On the other hand, this issue has also gained political importance. Ruling Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora has demanded Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik to conduct a comprehensive and impartial probe into the allegations against controversial IAS officer Pooja. He also said that people who lack talent and morals are not fit to hold important positions.
Former Union minister Deora said the allegations against Pooja were a serious threat to the reputation of the Indian Administrative Service. He said on the social media platform, “I request the Chief Secretary of the state to conduct an immediate and impartial investigation into these allegations.”
