The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has discharged Pooja Khedkar from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with immediate effect as of September 6, 2024. This decision follows the cancellation of her provisional candidature on July 31, 2024, due to serious allegations of fraudulently availing attempts in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022. The UPSC had issued a show cause notice to Khedkar on July 18, 2024, prompting her to explain her actions. Although she requested an extension until August 4, 2024, to respond, she failed to submit her explanation by the granted deadline of July 30, 2024. Consequently, the UPSC found her guilty of contravening the rules set forth for the CSE-2022, leading to her immediate discharge from the IAS [a8c08d2f].
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding integrity and transparency within the civil services recruitment process in India. The UPSC's stringent actions reflect its commitment to maintaining high standards and accountability among candidates. The case of Pooja Khedkar serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations governing civil services examinations, as any deviation can lead to severe consequences, including disqualification and discharge from service [a8c08d2f].