Pooja Khedkar stirred controversy when she sought special privileges from the District Collector’s office, which were not permissible for a probation officer.
The Maharashtra government has relocated probationary IAS officer Dr. Pooja Khedkar from Pune to Washim due to allegations of misuse of power. She will now assume the role of super numerary assistant collector in Washim. This decision follows a recommendation from Pune Collector Dr. Suhas Diwase to the Chief Secretary.
According to the order, Dr. Khedkar, a member of the 2023 batch of IAS officers, will complete her probationary period in Washim district in her new role.
Dr. Khedkar faced controversy for requesting privileges not typically granted to probationary officers, including using a private Audi car with emergency lights and a VIP number plate adorned with a ‘Maharashtra government’ board. She also made demands for an official car, accommodation, an office with staff, and a constable, which are generally provided only to gazetted officers, not trainees.
Further issues arose when Dr. Khedkar occupied the ante-chamber of Additional Collector Ajay More in his absence and displayed her name on the board without permission, subsequently removing furniture from the office. Her father, a retired administrative officer, reportedly pressured district officials to fulfill her requests.
RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar questioned Dr. Khedkar’s eligibility for the IAS, citing discrepancies between her family’s declared wealth and her category of eligibility under OBC non-creamy layer, along with allegations regarding medical examinations.
These developments have sparked significant scrutiny and debate regarding her appointment and conduct.
