Daily News Analysis

Rules Governing Civil Servants: Case of Puja Khedkar

stylish_lining

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.

India’s Leadership in Championing the Global South

India is positioning itself as a key advocate for the Global South, a collective of developing countries that have historically been marginalized in global governance and institutions. By bridging
Share It

Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS)

The Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS) has been launched by the Union Finance Minister at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT
Share It

Qatar

India recently defended Qatar’s sovereignty at the U.N. Human Rights Council, emphasizing its right to maintain its domestic policies and governance, particularly in light of international c
Share It

UNESCO

UNESCO's executive board has recently nominated Khaled el-Anani, the former Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, to be the next Director-General of the organization. About UNESCO:
Share It

Visakhapatnam Declaration on e-Governance

The Visakhapatnam Declaration on e-Governance marks a significant step in the development of digital governance in India, emphasizing inclusive, transparent, and citizen-centric practices. Adopted
Share It

Defamation in India

Recently, a Supreme Court judge raised concerns about the increasing misuse of defamation laws by political figures and private individuals to settle personal and political disputes. The judge sug
Share It

Simultaneous Elections

India's ongoing debate about simultaneous elections or the One Nation, One Election concept has gained momentum, with experts like Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, e
Share It

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) 2025 Summit

The 2025 SCO Heads of State Summit was held in Tianjin, China, marking a significant moment for the organization’s expanding role on the global stage. Key Highlights: Terrorism:
Share It

Production Gap Report 2025

The Production Gap Report 2025 reveals a troubling trend: many countries are planning to increase fossil fuel production well beyond the levels needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C as per t
Share It

India's Roadmap for Fusion Power

India's Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) in Gandhinagar has recently proposed a comprehensive roadmap for the development of fusion power, marking a significant leap towards harnessing fusi
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS