Puja Khedkar Controversy: A Deep Dive Into Rules Governing IAS Probationers' Conduct And Dismissal

Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer, was relieved from the District Training Programme of the Maharashtra government on Tuesday amid allegations of misuse of power. She was recalled to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, and her training has been put on hold. This development follows accusations that Khedkar used her private Audi car with a red-blue beacon light and a VIP number plate, which she claimed to have received as a gift. Additionally, she is accused of submitting fake disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates to clear the civil services exam and has been implicated in multiple allegations of misconduct.

Controversies Surrounding Puja Khedkar

Reports indicate that Khedkar submitted a mental illness certificate and failed to comply with an April 2022 directive to report to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, for verification of her disability certificate, citing a COVID-19 infection as the reason. Amid these controversies, the Maharashtra government transferred her from Pune to Washim last week. The Central government has also formed a committee to examine all documents submitted by Khedkar to secure her candidature in civil services.

Rules Governing IAS Officers And Probationary Officers

Puja Khedkar's actions are governed by two key rules: the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, and the Indian Administrative Service (Probation) Rules, 1954. Here's an overview of these rules and their implications:

I. The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Probation Rules, 1954

a) Definition Of Probationer
A probationer is a person appointed to the service on probation. Every person who clears the UPSC examinations and is selected in the IAS cadre must serve a probation period of two years, extendable by another two years if deemed necessary by the central government. During this period, probationers undergo training at LBSNAA, which includes a nationwide tour called Bharat Darshan and attachment to a state government.

b) Disciplinary Control Over Probationers
During their training, probationers are under the disciplinary control of the LBSNAA Director and must obey any orders given. They are subject to the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, and the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969.

c) Benefits And Services For Probationers
Probationers receive a fixed salary and travel allowance during their training. However, they are not entitled to special privileges such as an official car with a VIP number plate, official accommodation, an official room with adequate staff, or a constable.

d) Termination Of Probation:
A probationer can be discharged from service if:

1. They fail to pass the re-examination.
2. The Central Government determines they were ineligible for recruitment or unsuitable for service.
3. They have willfully neglected their probationary studies or duties.
4. They lack the necessary qualities of mind and character.
5. They fail to comply with any provisions of the rules.

II. All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968

a) Fidelity And Conduct:
All Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers must maintain fidelity to duty and refrain from any conduct unbecoming of a civil servant. They must not use their office to secure employment for any family member in private or non-governmental organisations.

b) Ethics And Integrity:
In 2014, sub-rules were added requiring officers to maintain ethics, integrity, honesty, political neutrality, accountability, transparency, and sensitivity towards people, especially weaker sections. They must make decisions in the public interest without regard to private interests.

c) Financial Obligations:
Officers must not place themselves under financial or other obligations to any person or organisation that may influence their official conduct. They are prohibited from abusing their position for financial or material gain for themselves, their family, or friends.

d) Gifts and Benefits:
In 2015, a rule was introduced requiring officers to notify the government of any gifts received from close relatives or friends exceeding Rs 25,000 in value.

The ongoing investigations and disciplinary actions underscore the importance of adherence to these rules to maintain the integrity and accountability of India's civil services.