Centre Seeks Probe into Maharashtra IAS Officer’s OBC Certificate Used for UPSC Attempts

Mumbai/Solapur, 25th June 2025: The Central government has asked the Maharashtra state administration to verify the legitimacy of an OBC non-creamy layer certificate submitted to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) by Sachin Chhaganlal Ombase, a 2015-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer currently posted as Municipal Commissioner of Solapur.

The move comes in response to a complaint alleging that Ombase may have secured extra civil services exam attempts by fraudulently using a category certificate. As per civil services exam rules, candidates from the general category are allowed four attempts, while OBC candidates are given more.

Centre Asks for Certificate Verification
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) forwarded the complaint to Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik in a letter dated June 13, signed by Under Secretary Anshuman Mishra. The DoPT has instructed the state to verify the authenticity of the certificate and submit a formal response.

“The inquiry will be carried out carefully and in line with the Centre’s instructions,” said Additional Chief Secretary V Radha, who heads the General Administration Department (GAD) of Maharashtra.

Officer Responds, Denies Wrongdoing
Ombase stated that he possesses all the required documents and is ready to cooperate fully with authorities.
“I will extend full cooperation. I have the necessary paperwork and will submit it when required,” said Sachin Ombase, who earlier served as the District Collector of Dharashiv and CEO of Wardha Zilla Parishad.

Social Activist Shares Letter on Social Media
The issue gained traction after social activist Vijay Kumbhar shared the DoPT’s letter on X (formerly Twitter). Kumbhar clarified that the complaint had originally been filed by another individual and was forwarded to the Centre through him.

“It’s a serious concern. According to the complaint, Ombase had already used up his four attempts under the general category and later obtained an OBC certificate to get more chances,” Kumbhar said.

He further alleged that the certificate was acquired “illegally by misrepresenting facts, suppressing information, and exerting pressure on officials.”

GAD Begins Preliminary Review
Officials from the state’s GAD, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the department has received the Centre’s directive and has initiated the verification process.
“It’s a sensitive matter. Verifying the authenticity of such documents will take time, and a detailed report will be submitted to the DoPT once the review is complete,” one official said.