Puja Khedkar Challenges Cancellation of Non-Creamy Layer OBC Certificate

Speedy Summary

• The Nashik Divisional Commissioner has canceled the non-creamy layer OBC certificate of former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, citing suppression of information.
• Ms. Khedkar and her family have challenged the decision, claiming it was taken under pressure and disputing its validity.
• Allegations include misuse of OBC and disability quota benefits, with accusations that she misrepresented information for reservation in the 2022 UPSC civil services examination.
• Ms. Khedkar denies all allegations.
• The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has initiated actions against her, including lodging a criminal case over alleged identity fraud in the exam process.
• Delhi Police has filed an FIR against Ms. Khedkar on related charges.
• As per rules, non-creamy layer OBC eligibility requires parental income below ₹8 lakh annually; but an RTI activist alleges her father declared assets worth ₹40 crore in a prior election affidavit. Her family’s wealth reportedly includes 110 acres of land, multiple properties, important gold holdings, and luxury vehicles.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The cancellation of Puja Khedkar’s non-creamy layer certificate raises critical questions about clarity and integrity within India’s public service examination system. If proven false claims allowed undue advantage through quotas intended to promote social equity among marginalized groups like OBC communities, this undermines trust in affirmative actions intended for social upliftment.

Though, allegations need thorough judicial and administrative scrutiny to validate claims made by both sides before drawing conclusions about culpability or intent. This case also highlights systemic gaps that allow potential misuse of affirmative action policies due to inadequate vetting processes for asset declaration or verification during exams.

Addressing these lapses through stricter checks on eligibility criteria could enhance fairness while safeguarding ethical standards across competitive examinations – basic pillars supporting equal opportunity principles vital for inclusive development in India.Read more at Source Link