UPSC Chairman Manoj Soni Resigns, Cites Personal Reasons

New Delhi:  In a surprising turn of events, Manoj Soni, Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), has resigned from his post, five years before the end of his tenure. Soni, who took the oath as Chairman on May 16, 2023, and was set to serve until May 15, 2029, cited “personal reasons” for his decision, according to PTI reports.

Soni submitted his resignation around two weeks ago, sources revealed to PTI. However, the resignation has not yet been accepted by the senior officials.

Sources have clarified that Soni’s resignation is not related to the recent controversies surrounding the UPSC, particularly the case involving probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar. The UPSC filed a criminal case against Khedkar and her family for allegedly faking her identity to gain additional attempts for the public service examination. Khedkar had gained attention after being transferred out of Pune during her training due to allegations of misuse of power and privileges.

Despite assuming the role of Chairman, sources noted that Soni was initially reluctant to take on the position and had expressed a desire to be relieved. His request was not granted at that time. Soni has now expressed a desire to devote more time to socio-religious activities.

Before his appointment as a member of the UPSC, Soni served as Vice Chancellor of three different universities, making history as the youngest-ever Vice Chancellor in India when he took the position at The Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) of Baroda from April 2005 to April 2008.

Soni’s resignation comes amidst growing scrutiny of UPSC officers, with social media users calling for action against those allegedly using fake certificates to claim benefits meant for Other Backward Class (non-creamy layer) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Names, pictures, and details of certain IAS and IPS officers have been circulated online, accusing them of using fraudulent means to secure their positions.

The UPSC and related authorities are yet to respond to these allegations, and the situation continues to develop as the resignation of Chairman Soni adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing controversies.