Probationary IAS officer transferred amid controversy over facility demands

Pune: A probationary IAS officer from the 2023 batch, Puja Khedkar, has been transferred from her initial posting for training in Pune to Washim district in central Maharashtra amid controversy.

Puja Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer, has been reassigned to Washim district of central Maharashtra to complete the remainder term of her training. As per an official letter, she will serve as a "supernumerary assistant collector" till July 30, 2025.

Pune collector Suhas Diwse submitted a report to the General Administration Department (GAD) giving details of Khedkar's actions. Even before starting duty on June 3, Khedkar had repeatedly demanded that she be provided a separate cabin, car, residential quarters and a peon.

However, she was told by officials, that such facilities are not provided during probationary periods, and that a suitable accommodation would be given to her.

Khedkar, however, did not stop and continued to press her demands. Meanwhile, she also used her private Audi car with a red-blue beacon light and VIP number plate. She had also installed a 'Maharashtra government' board on her private car, India Today reported. Diwse, in his report, said it was not appropriate to allow Khedkar to continue her training in Pune.

She was also accused of removing the nameplate of a senior official at Pune collector's office. This happened when the official allowed her to use his ante-chamber as her office space.

input from pti