Centre revises UPSC rules after Puja Khedkar controversy
Mandatory submission of certificates at preliminary stage
New Felhi: The Union government has amended the rules for the 2025 Civil Services Examination, making it mandatory for aspirants to upload educational, caste, and disability certificates during the preliminary exam stage. Previously, these documents were required only after qualifying for the mains examination.
The new rules come in the wake of the controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar, a former IAS probationer accused of fraudulently clearing the exam by misusing the OBC quota and falsely claiming disabilities. Her selection was revoked, and she was permanently barred from all UPSC examinations in September 2024.
The Ministry of Personnel stated that candidates failing to provide the necessary documents with their applications would have their candidature cancelled. Additionally, candidates will now have a 10-day window after preliminary results to specify cadre preferences and a 15-day period after mains results to update qualifications.
To prevent malpractices, UPSC plans to introduce technological measures such as Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication, facial recognition, and security camera surveillance during exams.
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
