IAS probationer Puja Khedkar's alleged use of non-creamy layer certificate raises questions

Regarding her academic performance, records indicate Khedkar scored 83% in Class 10 and 74% in Class 12 state board exams.

Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer, finds herself entangled in a controversy concerning the authenticity of her academic qualifications.

According to a statement by Arvind Bhore, director of Pune’s Shrimati Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital to The Times of India, Khedkar secured admission to the college in 2007 under the nomadic tribe-3 category, using a non-creamy layer OBC certificate.

Bhore revealed that Khedkar gained entry through the Association of Management of Unaided Private Medical and Dental Colleges of Maharashtra (AMUPMDC) entrance test, scoring 146 out of 200. However, AMUPMDC no longer operates following the introduction of NEET.

Also Read | Who is trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar: Know all about the controversy

Currently facing scrutiny, Khedkar is under investigation for allegedly submitting a non-creamy layer certificate to the UPSC despite reportedly owning properties valued at Rs 17 crore, including gifts from her family. Questions also surround her selection under the benchmark disabilities category.

The non-creamy layer certificate in question was issued by the Pathardi sub-divisional office in Ahmednagar in 2007, along with her caste and validity certificates, as per college records, TOI report added. Notably, Khedkar did not submit a disability certificate during her admission process.

Regarding her academic performance, records indicate Khedkar scored 83% in Class 10 and 74% in Class 12 state board exams. She completed her MBBS degree between 2011 and 2012 after fulfilling academic requirements and internships at Navale College. During her internship, she was stationed at the community medicine department.

Despite attempts to contact Khedkar for comment, her cell phone remained switched off, and she did not respond to text messages sent by TOI. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report.