Pune: Former IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar Seeks Extension to Submit Non-Creamy Layer Documents
Pune, 24th December 2024: Former IAS trainee Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar has requested an extension until January 10 to provide supporting documents for her non-creamy layer certification to a district-level sub-committee in Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar), according to officials from the revenue department.
The non-creamy layer certificate is crucial for Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates whose annual family income is below ₹8 lakh. It grants access to government jobs, educational opportunities, and scholarship programs.
Khedkar’s request comes after the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court dismissed her petition on December 17. In the petition, she sought to have the scrutiny of her non-creamy layer claim transferred to a committee outside Ahmednagar.
The court’s order, delivered by Justice S.G. Mehare and Justice S.G. Chapalgaonkar, stated, “After hearing the learned counsel for the petitioner, the court was not inclined to grant relief. On instruction, the learned counsel sought permission to withdraw the petition. Leave granted. The petition stands dismissed as withdrawn.” The bench clarified, “We did not touch upon the merits or rights of the petitioner as presented before the committee.”
Revenue department officials confirmed that Khedkar’s lawyer has requested additional time to submit documents supporting her claim.
The scrutiny process was initiated following allegations that Khedkar had obtained multiple non-creamy layer certificates to enhance her merit ranking in the UPSC examination under the OBC category. The Ahmednagar district collector, who chairs the scrutiny committee, has submitted a detailed report tracing the issuance of each certificate.
Records indicate that Khedkar had previously secured a non-creamy layer certificate from the Pathardi sub-divisional office in Ahmednagar.
The sub-committee will continue its investigation, pending the submission of the required documents by January 10.
