Controversy Surrounds Probationary IAS Officer’s Use of VIP Car and Office in Pune, District Collector Seeks Her Transfer

Reported by Sumit Singh
Pune, 7th July 2024: The Pune Collector’s Office is at the centre of a controversy involving Dr. Pooja Khedkar, a 2022 batch IAS officer on probation. Dr. Khedkar, who is currently stationed at the Pune Collector’s Office, has drawn attention for using a private Audi car with a VIP number plate and displaying a ‘Government of Maharashtra’ signboard, which is against regulations. The car also features unauthorized red and blue lights.

The presence of the luxury car with government insignia and lights has sparked discussions among Pune District Collector’s Office staff about the high-ranking official driving it. The situation escalated when Dr. Khedkar appropriated the ante-chamber of a senior officer, who was out of Pune, for her own use, displacing the senior officer’s belongings and setting up her office, complete with her nameplate.

Pune District Collector Dr Suhas Diwase submitted a detailed report on Dr. Khedkar’s conduct to the Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department on 26th June 2024. The report highlights Dr. Khedkar’s demands for an office adjacent to the collector’s, a peon, and the car. It also mentions the involvement of her father, who has reportedly threatened office staff, claiming they would never attain such a position (like his daughter) and warning of future repercussions if they troubled his daughter.

Despite a newly refurbished office provided to her, Dr. Khedkar expressed dissatisfaction. It’s noted that there are no government provisions for probationary officers to receive such facilities as cars, peon, or exclusive office spaces. The District Collector has requested the return of the office space allocated to the Additional District Collector, to which Dr. Khedkar responded by stating it was an insult to her via a WhatsApp message.

Collector Dr Diwase’s report suggests that Dr. Khedkar’s behavior is not befitting an administrative officer and recommends relocating her training to another district to ensure the proper functioning of government affairs in Pune.

Dr Khedkar did not respond to calls or messages for her statement on the issue.