'Those Lacking Merit, Ethics Are Not Fit...': Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora On IAS Puja Khedkar Row

Shiv Sena (Shinde) MP Milind Deora urged the Maharashtra Chief Secretary to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation of allegations against probationary IAS office Puja Khedkar.

Taking on microblogging site ‘X’, Milind Deora said that allegations against Khedkar impose a serious threat to the reputation of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Deora said, “The allegations against #IAS officer Pooja Khedkar are a serious reputational hazard to the service. Are you in government to serve or due to a sense of entitlement?”

“I urge Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary to conduct a comprehensive & impartial investigation into these allegations without delay. Ensuring justice & preserving public trust in our administrative service is crucial,” he added.

“UPSC is known for producing high-calibre officers for public service. Those lacking merit & ethics are not fit to hold important public offices,” wrote Deora in his post.

Deora’s statement comes after trainee IAS officer, Puja Khedkar, posted in Pune was transferred over ‘misuse of power’ following her controversial demands before joining the duty.

According to a report submitted by Pune collector Suhas Diwse to the General Administration Department, Trainee IAS demanded a car, residential quarters, a peon and a separate cabin, reported PTI.

She was told that she was not entitled to these facilities on probation, and accommodation would be provided to her.

Diwse in his report to the GAD said it was not appropriate to allow Khedkar to continue her training in Pune.