Pooja Khedkar IAS Biography
Dr. Pooja Khedkar IAS was born on April 10, 1992, in Maharashtra, India. She is an accomplished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, renowned for her significant contributions to the Indian civil services. Her journey to becoming an IAS officer is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and the unwavering support of her family. Pooja Khedkar IAS is 32 years old as of 2024.
Hailing from a humble background, Pooja’s father, Shankar Lal, works as a librarian, and his support has been instrumental in her success. Her family’s encouragement and belief in lifelong learning played a crucial role in her journey. Despite her professional commitments, Pooja ensures to spend quality time with her family, cherishing the balance between her personal and professional life.
Pooja Khedkar’s path to success wasn’t a smooth one. She faced multiple challenges and setbacks, including failing her UPSC exams twice. However, her determination and perseverance paid off when she cleared the exams on her third attempt. She was selected as an IAS officer in the 2015 batch, a significant achievement that marked the beginning of her illustrious career.
Her marriage to Digant Anand, also an IAS officer, on November 19, 2019, strengthened her personal and professional life. Together, they have a daughter and manage to balance their demanding careers with family life. Pooja’s journey from a small town in Maharashtra to becoming a respected IAS officer is an inspiring tale of grit and determination.
Pooja Khedkar IAS Career
Pooja Khedkar’s career in the Indian Administrative Service has been marked by various significant postings and achievements. Her journey as an IAS officer began in 2015, and since then, she has worked diligently to improve administrative processes and public welfare.
Pooja’s first significant posting was in Maharashtra, where she worked on several developmental projects aimed at improving the living conditions of the local population. Her dedication and hard work quickly earned her recognition and respect in her field. She was known for her hands-on approach and her ability to connect with the local communities, understanding their needs and addressing their concerns effectively.
Her next posting was as the Assistant Collector in Pune, where she continued to work on various public welfare projects. Her efforts in improving the administrative processes and implementing innovative solutions were widely appreciated. However, her tenure in Pune was not without controversies, which we will delve into later.
In July 2024, Pooja Khedkar was transferred to Washim District as the Assistant Collector. This move was a result of allegations related to misuse of authority and improper conduct during her probationary period in Pune. Despite these challenges, Pooja continued to work with the same dedication and commitment, focusing on her primary goal of public service.
Throughout her career, Pooja has faced numerous challenges and setbacks, but her resilience and determination have always helped her overcome them. Her career is a testament to her dedication to public service and her commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Pooja Khedkar IAS Personal Life
Pooja Khedkar’s personal life is as inspiring as her professional journey. She comes from a humble background in Maharashtra, where her father’s role as a librarian played a significant part in shaping her educational journey. Her family’s belief in the power of education and their unwavering support were crucial in her journey to becoming an IAS officer.
Pooja Khedkar IAS is married to Digant Annad. Her marriage to Digant Anand, an IAS officer, is a perfect example of a strong professional and personal bond. The couple tied the knot on November 19, 2019, and have since supported each other in their respective careers. Together, they have a daughter, and they manage to balance their demanding careers with their family life.
Despite her busy schedule, Pooja always makes it a point to spend quality time with her family. She believes in the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and often speaks about how her family’s support has been instrumental in her success. Her dedication to her family is evident in the way she manages to juggle her professional commitments and personal life.
Pooja’s personal interests include reading and traveling. She often finds solace in books and believes that reading helps her broaden her perspective and stay grounded. Traveling, on the other hand, gives her a chance to unwind and explore new cultures and places. Despite her professional commitments, Pooja ensures to take time out for her personal interests and family.
Pooja Khedkar IAS Husband
Pooja Khedkar IAS husband is Digant Annad.
Pooja Khedkar IAS Son
Pooja Khedkar IAS son is Ramji.
Pooja Khedkar IAS Date Of Birth
Pooja Khedkar IAS date of birth is April 10, 1992.
Pooja Khedkar IAS Father
Pooja Khedkar IAS is Dilip Khedkar, a former civil servant and Commissioner of the Pollution Department.
Pooja Khedkar IAS Controversies
Pooja Khedkar’s career, like many others in public service, has not been without its share of controversies. The most significant controversy arose during her probationary period in Pune, which eventually led to her transfer to Washim District.
During her tenure as a probationary Assistant Collector in Pune, Pooja faced allegations related to misuse of authority and improper conduct. The controversy began when she allegedly demanded an official car with a VIP number plate, a beacon light, and an official chamber with adequate staff. According to the rules, these facilities are not provided to probationers, leading to a significant backlash.
Further, Pooja was accused of using her private Audi car with a red-blue beacon light and VIP number plate, which was deemed inappropriate for her position. She also allegedly occupied the ante-chamber of Additional Collector Ajay More as her office, further compounding the issues. These actions were highlighted by the media and social media users, leading to widespread criticism.
The situation escalated when Pooja’s father, Dilip Khedkar, allegedly intimidated district staff, claiming they were mistreating his daughter and warning of repercussions. This behavior further fueled the controversy, resulting in a detailed report by the Pune Collector, Dr. Suhas Diwase, to the Additional Chief Secretary.
The report mentioned several issues with Pooja’s conduct, including the misuse of a beacon light on a private car and the inappropriate display of the “Maharashtra Government” insignia. It also highlighted her father’s inappropriate behavior, as evidenced by photographs of his WhatsApp chat. These allegations led to Pooja’s transfer to Washim District as the Assistant Collector.
In addition to this controversy, Pooja had previously filed a plea against the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, claiming to be a person with a disability. She argued that PwD candidates face greater hardships than SC/ST candidates and should receive similar benefits. Her All India Rank in the UPSC was 821, and she cleared the exam in 2021. This plea, coupled with the controversy in Pune, has added a layer of complexity to her career.
Despite these controversies, Pooja Khedkar continues to focus on her work and remains dedicated to public service. Her resilience in the face of challenges is commendable, and she continues to strive for excellence in her field.
Conclusion
Pooja Khedkar’s journey from a small town in Maharashtra to becoming a respected IAS officer is a story of determination, hard work, and resilience. Despite facing numerous challenges and controversies, she has remained dedicated to her goal of public service. Her career is marked by significant achievements, and her personal life is a testament to her ability to balance professional commitments with family life.
FAQs
Who is Pooja Khedkar IAS?
Pooja Khedkar, also known as Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, is an accomplished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Maharashtra. She is known for her significant contributions to the Indian civil services and her dedication to public welfare.
What are Pooja Khedkar IAS notable achievements?
Pooja Khedkar’s notable achievements include clearing the UPSC exams on her third attempt and being selected as an IAS officer in the 2015 batch. She has held significant postings in Maharashtra and Pune, and currently serves as the Assistant Collector in Washim District.
What controversy surrounded Pooja Khedkar IAS during her tenure in Pune?
During her probationary period in Pune, Pooja Khedkar faced allegations of misuse of authority and improper conduct. The controversy included demands for official facilities not provided to probationers and the use of a private car with a beacon light and VIP number plate. These allegations led to her transfer to Washim District.
What is Pooja Khedkar IAS educational background?
Pooja Khedkar comes from a humble background and has always valued education. Her father’s role as a librarian played a significant part in shaping her educational journey. Pooja’s family’s belief in lifelong learning and their support were crucial in her journey to becoming an IAS officer.