The “Puja Khedkar Fake Certificate Saga” has compelled the Union Government to announce that a government servant can be dismissed if they choose to mislead the recruiting authorities by providing false information or fake certificates. Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Personnel, stated that from time to time various ministries and departments under the government receive complaints about getting jobs on the basis of fake caste certificates, which are usually forwarded to the concerned ministries/departments for appropriate action.
“As per the existing instructions, if it is found that a government servant has furnished false information or produced a false certificate for getting the appointment, he should not be retained in service,” said the Union Minister. The Minister said that should the appointing authority find that an employee has produced a fake caste certificate, it initiates action for removal or dismissal of such employee from service in accordance with the provisions of the relevant service rules.
Dr. Jitendra Singh made a very pertinent observation by stating that the responsibility of issuing and verifying caste/community certificates rests with the respective state governments. He said, “If no report is received within a period of one month from the concerned state/UT authorities, the ministries or departments are required to take up the matter with the states/UTs to complete the verification process.“
Ms. Puja Khedkar, a 2022 batch ex-IAS officer under training, became a subject of intense discourse over the internet and national television after allegations arose that she had lied about her mental and visual condition, through “fraudulently” obtained certificates from the District Civil Hospital in Ahmednagar, to secure an officer’s post despite an unremarkable score in the ultra-competitive qualifying exam. Khedkar was “diagnosed” with Locomotor Disability and a 7% permanent disability concerning her left lower limb. She also obtained a second certificate, which covered both low vision and mental illness (depression).
