Mumbai:

A probationary IAS officer in Maharashtra has been transferred to Washim over an alleged misuse of her power as a civil servant. Puja Khedkar, who had secured an All India Rank 821 in the UPSC exams, was posted as an assistant collector in Pune.

A controversy erupted after she was found availing facilities that are not given to probation officers. This included the use of a red-blue beacon and a board stating “Maharashtra Government” on her private Audi car.

She was also found occupying the ante-chamber of additional collector Ajay More when he was away. She had removed office furniture without Mr More’s consent and even asked the revenue assistant to provide her with a letterhead, nameplate, and other facilities in their name.

Pune Collector Suhas Divase shot a letter to the state’s Chief Secretary after the violations came to the fore, leading to her transfer from Pune to Washim.

“The 2023 batch IAS officer will serve the remaining period of her probation as super numerary assistant collector in Washim district,” the order stated.

Reports suggest Ms Khedkar’s father, a retired administrative officer, also pressured the District Collector’s office to ensure her demands were fulfilled.

The husband of an IAS officer was held on charges of “immoral trafficking” after he was found with a woman at a house in Sarabha Nagar here during a raid, police said on Sunday.

The man was booked on charges of Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act, they said.

Police raided the house Friday night after they were tipped off about a suspected sex racket being operated from there.

The IAS officer has served at several high-ranking posts. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Cracking the UPSC Civil Services exam remains a coveted goal for many in India, and IAS officer Sonal Goel has shared her UPSC marksheet to inspire and motivate people “to believe in their abilities”. Ms Goel, who cracked the UPSC Civil Services exam in 2008, recounted her initial setback in 2007 when she fell short of qualifying for the interview stage due to low marks in General Studies papers.

“However, this setback fueled my determination to leave no stone unturned in achieving my goal,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday and emphasised the importance of dedication and relentless effort.

“I then devoted myself entirely to mastering the General Studies paper and improving at other aspects of Mains emphasising on Notes making, repeated revisions and #AnswerWriting. I poured my heart and soul into every aspect of the syllabus , alongwith pursuing my LLB from Delhi University and doing a part time job as CS – Company Secretary.

“In my second attempt, I not only cleared the exam but also achieved the highest marks in General Studies compared to my optional subjects—Commerce and Public Administration,” she said.

Reflecting on her journey, Ms Goel conveyed a valuable lesson for aspirants, stating, “It’s a reminder that with dedication and relentless effort, no obstacle is insurmountable.”

Encouraging aspirants to learn from setbacks, she urged them to view every failure as an opportunity for learning, improvisation, and ultimate triumph.

“Believe in your abilities, pursue your goals with passion, and never lose sight of your dreams. It is through perseverance that greatness is achieved,” the IAS officer wrote.

Along with the long note and a picture of her marksheet, Ms Goel said, “Nostalgic moment as I came across my #UPSC Civil Services 2007 #Mains marksheet, reminding me of the trials and triumphs that led to final selection.”

Nostalgic moment as I came across my #UPSC Civil Services 2007 #Mains marksheet, reminding me of the trials and triumphs that led to final selection in #May2008 Results ????????

I just want to share with the aspirants that in my first attempt, I fell short of getting an Interview call… pic.twitter.com/9VY8k6sFqQ

— Sonal Goel IAS ???????? (@sonalgoelias) February 21, 2024

The post has garnered instant attention online, resonating with aspirants from various backgrounds.

A user commented, “Congratulations. Very nice and motivating for all UPSC aspirants specially students taking Commerce and Law as their educational curriculum.”

Congratulations. Very nice and motivating for all UPSC aspirants specially students taking Commerce and Law as their educational curriculum. Can you please share your complete educational qualification which I think will further encourage aspirants.

— ratnesh nandkeolyar (@ratnesh_123) February 21, 2024

Another wrote, “Great to see. Currently children don’t have many role models and are worshipping/following “self serving only” individuals and are away from reality. This post is a great one to start!”

Gr8 to see. Currently children dont have many role models and are worshipping/following “self serving only” individuals and are away from reality. This post is a great one to start!

— San_Jeev (@Sanjeevuniverse) February 23, 2024

Sonal Goel’s story serves as a powerful reminder that with self-belief and hard work, individuals can overcome challenges.