UPSC Chairman Manoj Soni Confirms Resignation

UPSC Chairman Manoj Soni has resigned, citing personal reasons. Manoj Soni’s resignationn has not yet been accepted. The resignation of Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) comes five years before the end of his term and one year after he takes charge. His term is expected to end in 2029.

Who is Manoj Soni?

Manoj Soni, 59, An alumnus of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara. A student of Political Sciences specializing in international relations, he taught International Relations at Sardar Patel University (SPU), Vallabh Vidyanagar between 1991 and 2016.

• In 2013, Soni received the rare honour of “Honorary Mayor-President of the City of Baton Rouge” from the Mayor-President of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA, “for his exemplary leadership in empowering underprivileged sections of the society with IT literacy,” UPSC said.
• In 2015, The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, London, UK, honored Dr. Soni with the World Education Congress Global Award for Distance Learning Leadership. Dr. Soni has previously served on the boards of various higher education and public administration institutions.
• Manoj Soni it was said that a member of the Commission in 2017 and took took the oath as chairman on May 16 last year.

His performance

• In 2005The close support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Manoj Soni, was chosen as the Vice Chancellor of MS University, Vadodara.
• After this appointment he became the youngest VC in the country since he was 40 years old at the time.
• Manoj Soniwho is closely involved in the Anoopam Mission, a non-profit organization originated from the Swaminarayan sect and was established in Mogri, Anand district, and is likely to be more active in organizations having centers abroad, especially the United States.

His service

Manoj Soni has served as vice chancellor of the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Gujarat for two terms of August 1, 2009 to July 31, 2015, and a term as VC of his alma mater The Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) of Baroda from April 2005 to April 2008.

• In 2008, he was a member of Judge RJ Shah (ed.) Fee Regulation Commission constituted by the Gujarat Legislature to regulate the fee structure of non-aided vocational institutions in the state.
• In 2009, he was a member of the board of Charotar University of Sciences and Technology Changaand one of the founders and coordinators of the Centre for Excellence in Ethics in Politics and Public Administration, funded by the Government of Gujarat.

His resignation

The resignation letter has reportedly been submitted to the President of India. Meanwhile, the name of the new chairman to be expected.

• This development comes at a time when controversy surrounding trainee Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Puja Khedkar makes headlines. The probation officer is said to have forged identity papers, submitted a certificate of disability and requested admission to the highly regarded service.
• On 19 July, the Commission issued a show-cause notice withdrawing her candidacy for the position. Civil Service Examination, 2022 and filed a criminal case against her.