Pune: Trainee IAS Officer Pooja Khedkar Under Scrutiny for Alleged Disability Certificate Fraud

Pune: Trainee IAS officer Pooja Khedkar finds herself embroiled in controversy as multiple allegations of fraud related to her disability certificates have surfaced. It has come to light that Khedkar obtained a disability certificate in 2022 from YCM Hospital. This revelation has cast doubt on the legitimacy of her credentials and raised questions about her eligibility for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

According to hospital records, Khedkar’s certificate was issued by YCM Hospital. The head of YCM Hospital, Dr. Rajendra Vable, confirmed the existence of the record and stated that the criteria on which the certificate was given are currently being verified. The investigation is crucial, given the serious implications of the certificate’s validity.
Khedkar’s case first drew attention when it was revealed that she had previously obtained a disability certificate for visual impairment in 2018 and a psychiatric certificate in 2020 from a government hospital. She reportedly combined these certificates to secure her position in the IAS in 2021. The issuance of another disability certificate from YCM Hospital in 2022, which cited a seven percent permanent disability in her left knee, has further complicated matters.
Dr. Rajendra Vable emphasised the need for thorough verification. “The Department of Orthopedics and Physiotherapy was asked to submit the report of the examination conducted. The certificate stated a permanent disability. This certificate has been given in a transparent manner, following the rules of the Central Government,” he said.

However, allegations persist that proper procedures were not followed in issuing the certificate. If proven true, this could indicate a broader issue of fraudulent disability certifications. The Pune Collectorate has ordered a comprehensive investigation to uncover any such rackets and has instructed that those involved, including the issuing doctors, be held accountable.

Resident Deputy Collector Jyoti Kadam has called for a detailed report on the investigation to be submitted to the District Magistrate’s office. “Everyone who helped Pooja Khedkar, along with YCM Hospital doctors, should be thoroughly investigated in this matter. If there is a racket for obtaining fake disability certificates, it must be exposed,” Kadam stated.

The potential consequences of this investigation are significant. If it is found that Khedkar joined the IAS based on a fraudulent certificate from YCM Hospital, it could lead to severe legal repercussions for her and anyone else involved in the scheme. Meanwhile, the Disability Welfare Commission has already ordered a case to be filed against the doctor who issued the certificate and anyone found complicit in the fraud.