News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/20th July 2024
Manoj Soni, the current chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), has resigned from his position, stepping down five years ahead of the completion of his term. Soni, who was appointed to the role on May 16, 2023, was set to serve until May 15, 2029. His resignation, tendered approximately two weeks ago, has been attributed to “personal reasons,” according to reports from PTI.
The resignation of Soni has sparked considerable speculation and discussion. Official sources have indicated that Soni’s departure is not linked to the ongoing controversies surrounding the UPSC, particularly those involving probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar. Khedkar has recently been embroiled in a scandal involving allegations of identity fraud to gain additional attempts at the UPSC examination. Despite this, the official stance remains that Soni’s resignation is driven by his desire to focus more on “socio-religious activities.”
Soni’s tenure at the helm of the UPSC was marked by significant responsibility, overseeing one of India’s most critical institutions for public service examinations. Before his UPSC appointment, Soni had a distinguished career in academia, serving as Vice Chancellor at multiple universities. Notably, he was the youngest Vice Chancellor in India when he took on the role at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda from April 2005 to April 2008.
The timing of Soni’s resignation coincides with heightened scrutiny of the UPSC due to the Khedkar case. Khedkar, who was recently transferred out of Pune for alleged misuse of bureaucratic power, had reportedly faked her identity to secure additional examination attempts. This incident has led to broader allegations and discussions about the use of fake certificates among IAS and IPS officers. Social media has been abuzz with claims of officers using fraudulent documents to access benefits meant for specific categories, intensifying calls for investigation.
Congress has weighed in on the situation, with General Secretary Jairam Ramesh suggesting that Soni’s resignation might be linked to the ongoing controversy. Ramesh implied that Soni’s departure could be seen as a reaction to the pressures and scrutiny faced by the UPSC during this tumultuous period.
As of now, Soni’s resignation letter remains pending acceptance by the authorities. Despite his early departure, the focus remains on the implications of his resignation for the UPSC and how the commission will address the issues arising from the Khedkar case. The government and UPSC officials will need to manage the transition effectively while addressing the concerns raised by the current controversies.
In summary, Manoj Soni’s unexpected resignation from the UPSC chairman position has ignited discussions about his tenure, the ongoing issues within the commission, and the broader implications for public service examinations in India.
