Probationary IAS Officer Transferred for Misuse of Power in Pune
Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer in Maharashtra, recently made headlines following her transfer to Washim due to allegations of misusing her authority. Khedkar, who achieved an All India Rank of 821 in the UPSC exams, was serving as an assistant collector in Pune at the time of the controversy.
The incident began when Khedkar was discovered using privileges not allotted to probationary officers. Specifically, she utilized a red-blue beacon and displayed a board reading “Maharashtra Government” on her private Audi car, both of which are restricted for use by higher-ranking officials. Moreover, she occupied the ante-chamber of additional collector Ajay More during his absence, removed office furniture without his consent, and instructed a revenue assistant to provide her with a letterhead, nameplate, and other office facilities in her name.
These actions prompted Pune Collector Suhas Divase to report the violations to the state’s Chief Secretary, which resulted in Khedkar’s transfer from Pune to Washim. The official order stated that Khedkar, a 2023 batch IAS officer, would complete her probation period as a supernumerary assistant collector in Washim district.
Reports indicate that Khedkar’s father, a retired administrative officer, exerted pressure on the District Collector’s office to meet his daughter’s demands. This added to the controversy surrounding her misuse of power.
Khedkar’s case highlights the expectations and responsibilities of IAS officers, especially those in probationary periods. The role of an IAS officer is to serve the public with integrity, dedication, and adherence to established protocols. Misuse of power, as demonstrated in this case, not only undermines the officer’s credibility but also erodes public trust in the administrative system.
This incident serves as a reminder to all civil servants about the importance of maintaining professional conduct and respecting the boundaries of their positions. Probationary officers, in particular, are expected to learn and adhere to the rules and regulations that govern their roles. Overstepping these boundaries can have serious repercussions, as seen in Khedkar’s case.
For the public, this incident underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the actions of public officials. When officers misuse their power, it is essential for the administrative system to address such behavior promptly and appropriately. The transfer of Khedkar to a different district serves as a corrective measure, ensuring that she completes her probation under stricter supervision and away from the influence of her previous environment.
The transfer also highlights the role of senior officials in monitoring and guiding probationary officers. Ensuring that new officers understand the responsibilities and limitations of their roles is crucial in fostering a culture of integrity and accountability within the civil service.
In summary, the transfer of Puja Khedkar from Pune to Washim due to misuse of power serves as a significant case study in the importance of adhering to professional conduct within the civil service. It highlights the responsibilities of IAS officers to serve with integrity and the necessity of transparency and accountability in public administration. This incident also emphasizes the role of senior officials in guiding and supervising probationary officers to ensure they understand and respect the boundaries of their positions.