Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Chairperson, Manoj Soni, has resigned nearly five years before the end of his tenure. Sources revealed that Soni resigned for “personal reasons.” He joined the UPSC in 2017 and became Chairperson on May 16, 2023, with his tenure expected to last until 2029. However, a source informed The Hindu that Soni resigned about a month ago. There is still no clarity on whether his resignation will be accepted.
Not Linked to Fake Certificate Scandal
The anonymous source emphasized that Soni’s resignation is unrelated to recent controversies involving UPSC candidates using fake certificates to secure positions. Soni reportedly wants to focus more on “socio-religious activities.”
Uncertainty Surrounding Replacement
Soni’s resignation was submitted to the President of India. The government has yet to accept it, leaving uncertainty about his relief from the position. The announcement of Soni’s replacement is still pending.
Soni’s Background and Connections
Soni is considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who appointed him as the Vice-Chancellor of MS University in Vadodara in 2005, making him the youngest Vice-Chancellor in the country at the age of 40. Soni served as Vice-Chancellor in two universities in Gujarat for three terms before joining the UPSC. He was the Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU) for two terms until 2015.
Structure of UPSC
The UPSC, a constitutional body, operates under Articles 315-323 of the Indian Constitution. It is headed by a Chairperson and can have up to ten members. Under Soni’s leadership, the commission included seven members, such as Dinesh Dasa, former Chairman of the Gujarat Public Service Commission, and BB Swain, former Gujarat cadre IAS officer.
Criminal Case Against Fake Certificate Holder
The significance of Soni’s resignation is heightened by recent actions taken by the UPSC against candidates using fake certificates. On Friday, the UPSC lodged a criminal case against a candidate named Khedkar for faking her identity to exceed eligibility limits in the civil services examination. She has been barred from future selections. This case has sparked widespread social media discussions about the misuse of fake certificates by serving IAS and IPS officers.
Social Media Buzz
Social media users have shared names, pictures, and details of several IAS and IPS officers, alleging they used bogus certificates to claim benefits meant for Other Backward Class (non-creamy layer) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
Soni’s Academic Contributions
Before his UPSC appointment, Soni served as Vice-Chancellor for three terms: two consecutive terms at BAOU from 2009 to 2015 and one term at MS University of Baroda from 2005 to 2008. He was the youngest Vice-Chancellor in India at the time of his appointment. Soni, a scholar of political science specializing in international relations, taught at Sardar Patel University from 1991 to 2016, except during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor.
Soni’s Achievements
Soni has received numerous recognitions and awards and has many publications to his credit. Under his leadership, the UPSC functioned with seven members, three less than its sanctioned strength.
The resignation of Manoj Soni, amid a backdrop of controversies and significant changes within the UPSC, leaves a gap in leadership. As the government deliberates on his replacement, the impact of his departure and the ongoing issues related to fake certificates will be closely watched by all stakeholders.
(With inputs from agencies)
