Recently, Maharashtra cadre trainee IAS Puja Khedkar has come under scrutiny for allegedly misusing the reservation system to secure a position in the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS). This has led to an investigation into her UPSC exam results and prompted a broader examination of how reservation policies are applied.
Case Details
Puja Khedkar reportedly appeared for the UPSC exam under both the OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer) and Divyang (persons with disabilities) categories. This dual application of reservations has raised questions and triggered further investigations into the eligibility and reservation status of other officers as well.
Educator Vikas Divyakirti’s Insights
Former IAS officer and educator Vikas Divyakirti has highlighted several loopholes in the reservation system, which he believes are exploited by candidates aiming for high-ranking positions like IAS, IPS, IRS, and IFS. According to Divyakirti, the following issues are prevalent:
1. OBC Reservation Policy:
- Creamy Layer: Candidates from the OBC creamy layer (those whose parents’ annual income exceeds Rs 8 lakhs) are considered general category candidates for the purpose of reservation.
- Parental Employment: Candidates with parents in Class 1 jobs are classified under the creamy layer. Those with parents in Group B positions are also considered general, while Group C and Group D employees are classified as OBCs regardless of income.
- Agricultural Income: Income derived from agriculture is not considered in the reservation policy, which allows some civil servants to evade the criteria by declaring agricultural income.
2. EWS Reservation Policy:
- Income Criteria: For EWS (Economically Weaker Section) reservations, the family income is considered for the last year only. The candidate’s personal income is not factored in.
- Land and Property: Eligibility for EWS reservation includes:
- Not owning more than 5 acres of cultivable land.
- Residence not exceeding 1000 square feet.
- Plot size restrictions: up to 100 yards for notified plots and up to 200 yards for unnotified plots.
- Family Income Limit: The total family income, including parents, siblings up to 18 years, spouse, and children up to 18 years, should not exceed Rs 8 lakhs.
Broader Implications
The controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar and the insights shared by Vikas Divyakirti underscore a significant debate on the integrity and effectiveness of the reservation system in India. These policies are designed to provide equitable opportunities, but discrepancies and misuse can undermine their intent and effectiveness.
The case has drawn attention to the need for stricter enforcement and transparency in the reservation system to ensure that it benefits those it is intended to help and prevents exploitation by those who do not genuinely qualify for these benefits.
