Sharad Pawar Criticizes Administrative Set-Up Amid Khedkar Controversy

NCP chief Sharad Pawar criticizes the current state of administration in India amid the controversy involving IAS officer Puja Khedkar and her family. Meanwhile, ACB Pune investigates unaccounted wealth of Khedkar's father, raising questions about her appointment under OBC non-creamy layer norms.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Friday criticized the current administrative set-up in light of the controversy surrounding trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar. Pawar pointed out that there used to be a dialogue with the administration, but now it is merely reduced to directions. 'In this country, three states were famous for their good administration: Gujarat, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu. Earlier, we too were good. Now, we only see directions,' Pawar remarked.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Pune began an inquiry against Dilip Khedkar, Puja Khedkar's father, investigating the family's unaccounted wealth. IAS Puja Khedkar, who secured an All India rank of 821 in the UPSC exams, has been accused of abusing her authority. The complaint against her father was lodged several months ago, and following new developments, it has been revived. A detailed report has been submitted to the headquarters, but the complainant's identity remains confidential.

Previously, Pune RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar questioned Khedkar's OBC non-creamy layer status, citing her father's assets worth Rs 40 crore, which, he claimed, disqualifies her from the category. 'As per the rules, OBC non-creamy layer candidates should have parents earning under Rs 8 lakh per annum, but their declared assets and income far exceed this limit. The recent Lok Sabha affidavit filed by her father reveals assets valuing Rs 40 crore,' Kumbhar asserted. The information, according to Kumbhar, is publicly accessible.

(With inputs from agencies.)