In an unfolding episode that has sent ripples through administrative circles, the Maharashtra government has reassigned Dr. Pooja Khedkar, a probationary Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Pune, to Washim amid allegations of power misuse. Appointed as the supernumerary assistant collector of Washim district, this transfer follows actions deemed inappropriate by her superiors, thus making her brief stay in Pune both controversial and eventful.
The decision to relocate Khedkar arose after Pune Collector Dr. Suhas Diwase submitted a letter to the Chief Secretary, outlining various infractions. Highlighting the gravity of the matter, the official order expressly stated: “The 2023 batch IAS officer will serve the remaining period of her probation as supernumerary assistant collector in Washim district.”
The sequence of events leading to this decision began when Khedkar reportedly sought special privileges typically not granted to probation officers. These demands, which she made to the Collector’s office, included unrealistic accommodations, a personal constable, an official chamber equipped with ample staff, and an official vehicle sporting a VIP number plate. Her requests went against the conventional rules, which mandate that these benefits are only accorded once a trainee officially becomes a gazetted officer. Moreover, rather than adhering to these guidelines, Khedkar emphasized her demands through actions that ultimately brought further scrutiny.
Heightening the controversy, Khedkar began using her private Audi vehicle, which bore a VIP number plate and an unauthorized red-blue beacon light – a clear contravention of regulations. To make matters worse, the car also displayed a placard inscribed with “Maharashtra government,” undeniably suggesting an abuse of her current position. These actions raised eyebrows and drew the ire of her superiors and colleagues.
Matters escalated when Khedkar assumed control over an additional collector’s antechamber during his absence. Displaying an audacious disregard for standard protocol, she posted a sign bearing her name outside the chamber, signalling an unauthorized takeover. Moreover, she orchestrated the unauthorized removal of furniture and other materials, including couches, tables, and chairs, from the chamber.
. Following these removals, she instructed the revenue assistant to supply her with new official supplies, including a letterhead, visiting cards, a paperweight, a nameplate, a royal seal, and an intercom system.
As news of her actions spread, it was revealed that Khedkar’s father, a retired administrative officer, had exerted undue influence on district administration officials. Reportedly, he made threats and pressured the District Collector’s office to fulfill his daughter’s excessive demands. This further intensified the scrutiny around Khedkar’s conduct and questioned her suitability for such a prestigious role.
Adding another layer to the controversy, RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar raised pertinent questions about Khedkar’s eligibility to qualify as an IAS officer. He remarked on her background as an OBC non-creamy layer citizen, contrasting it with her father’s disclosed wealth of Rs 40 crore in his election affidavit. “How can such income fall into the non-creamy layer?” Kumbhar questioned, pointing out the paradoxical nature of her economic status and raising suspicions about potential discrepancies in her qualification process.
Kumbhar went on to highlight an issue related to Khedkar’s health status, noting that she had declared herself mentally ill and possessed multiple disabilities. However, she allegedly avoided medical examinations on multiple occasions, further adding to the cloud of uncertainty surrounding her qualifications. He stated, “These are big questions,” indicating that such discrepancies warrant a thorough investigation.
This incident underscores significant lapses in administrative oversight and a need for stricter adherence to established protocols among probationary officers. The Maharashtra government’s swift action to transfer Khedkar to Washim now serves as a potent reminder of the expectation for impeccable conduct and transparency from public servants at all levels.
As Dr. Pooja Khedkar assumes her new role as supernumerary assistant collector in Washim, it remains to be seen how the further developments of this incident will unfold and what measures will be taken to avoid similar occurrences in the future. The need for reform and reinforced adherence to ethical standards within the administration has never been more evident.
