Rules Governing Civil Servants: Case of Puja Khedkar

Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer from the 2023 batch, faced termination from her services due to allegations of misconduct, including forging identity papers and misrepresenting facts to obtain extra attempts in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022. The case raises important questions about the rules and regulations governing the conduct of civil servants.

Rules Governing Civil Servants

1. All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968

The All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, apply to IAS, IPS, and Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers from the time they are allotted their service and begin training. These rules are designed to ensure the integrity and ethical behavior of members of these services. Key provisions include:

• Rule 3(1): Maintenance of Absolute Integrity and Devotion to Duty
• Officers must maintain absolute integrity and devotion to duty and must not engage in any behavior that is unbecoming of a member of the service.
• Definition of "Unbecoming": According to Rule 4(1), an officer must not use their position to secure employment for family members or derive financial or material benefits for themselves or their acquaintances.
• Maintenance of High Ethical Standards
• Officers are required to uphold integrity, honesty, political neutrality, accountability, transparency, responsiveness to the public (especially weaker sections), courtesy, and good behavior.
• Reporting Gifts (Rule 11(1))
• Officers can accept gifts only from near relatives or personal friends with whom they have no official dealings during personal events like weddings or funerals. Any gift exceeding Rs 25,000 must be reported to the government.

2. Indian Administrative Service (Probation) Rules, 1954

The Indian Administrative Service (Probation) Rules, 1954, govern the conduct of officers during their probation period, which lasts at least two years and includes training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. Key provisions include:

• Fixed Salary and Travel Allowance
• During probation, officers receive a fixed salary and travel allowance but are not entitled to other benefits such as an official car with a VIP number plate, official accommodation, or a personal staff.
• Discharge from Duty (Rule 12)
• A probationary officer may be discharged from duty if found ineligible for recruitment, unsuitable for service, willfully neglects probationary duties, or lacks necessary qualities of mind and character.
• Procedure: The Centre conducts a summary enquiry before discharging an officer. In Khedkar's case, a single-member committee under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) was constituted to examine the documents and allegations against her.

Implications of Violations

• Misrepresentation and Fraudulent Practices:
• Violation of Integrity: Allegations of forging identity papers and misrepresenting facts to obtain extra attempts violate Rule 3(1) of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, which mandates absolute integrity and honesty.
• Disqualification: If proven, such actions could lead to disqualification from the service and termination, as they undermine the trust and credibility essential for a civil servant.
• Misuse of Position:
• Unbecoming Behavior: Using unauthorized privileges or engaging in misconduct (such as occupying unauthorized office space or using an unauthorized beacon) is considered unbecoming behavior under Rule 3(1) of the Conduct Rules.
• Probationary Rules:
• Discharge from Duty: If the allegations are substantiated, they could lead to discharge from duty under Rule 12 of the Probation Rules, as they relate to ineligibility or unsuitability for the service.

Conclusion

The case of Puja Khedkar highlights the critical importance of adherence to the rules and ethical standards governing civil servants. Allegations of misconduct, such as falsifying documents to gain unfair advantages, are taken seriously and can lead to severe consequences, including termination from service. The adherence to rules like the All India Services (Conduct) Rules and the Indian Administrative Service (Probation) Rules is crucial for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the civil service. The ongoing enquiry and investigation into her actions are intended to ensure that justice is served and that the standards of the service are upheld.