House, car before joining, separate office: WhatsApp chat reveals trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar's demands

PTC News Desk: WhatsApp chat between Maharashtra probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who was transferred over alleged misuse of power, and  Pune District Collector have revealed her list of demands. According to the chat, Puja Khedkar demanded a separate office, a car, and a house for herself. 

The District Collector had reported unusual demands to the Chief Secretary. In his report, he said continuing Khedkar's training in Pune would be inappropriate and could result in administrative problems.

The IAS official from the 2023 batch is accused of using a siren, VIP licence plates, and a "Government of Maharashtra" sticker on her private luxury sedan, among other things.

She was also found using the Pune Additional Collector Ajay More's office when he was away. She allegedly removed office furniture and demanded letterheads. These benefits are not available to junior officers who are on probation for 24 months. According to reports, her father, a retired administrative officer, pushed for her demands to be met.

The officer was provided with her own chamber. However, she declined it because there was no attached bathroom, according to the Collector's report. Before joining, Khedkar visited the office with her father, Dilip Khedkar, and they proposed using a VIP hall close to the mining department as her cabin.

The probationary officer was informed that she was not entitled to certain facilities while on probation, but that she would be accommodated.

Following the District Collector's report, Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer, has been sent to Washim district to complete her training. She will work there as a 'supernumerary Assistant Collector' until July 30, 2025.