New Delhi, 20th July 2024: In a surprising turn of events, Manoj Soni, the chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), has decided to step down from his position five years before his term was set to end. Soni cited “personal reasons” for his resignation, which he submitted about two weeks ago.
Although Soni’s resignation has not yet been officially accepted, sources suggest that it is not related to recent controversies surrounding the UPSC, such as the case of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar. Soni took on the role of UPSC chairman on May 16, 2023, and was originally expected to serve until May 15, 2029. However, he has chosen to resign early in order to focus on “socio-religious activities.”
Prior to his appointment as UPSC chairman, Soni held the position of Vice Chancellor at various universities, including The Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) of Baroda, where he made history as the youngest Vice Chancellor in India.
Soni’s resignation comes at a time when the UPSC is facing increased scrutiny due to a criminal case involving trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar and her family. Khedkar stands accused of using false identities to gain additional attempts in the Public Service Commission examinations. Her transfer from Pune, along with other allegations, has sparked public and social media interest, with concerns being raised about the validity of certificates held by certain IAS and IPS officers.
As the UPSC navigates these challenges, the resignation of Manoj Soni adds another layer of complexity to the situation, leaving many wondering about the future of the commission and its leadership.
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