UPSC Chairman Manoj Soni resigned five years before the end of his tenure, gave this reason

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Chairman Manoj Soni has resigned five years before the end of his tenure. His term was to end in 2029. He has resigned for “personal reasons” and it has no connection with the case of allegations of submitting fake certificates.

Manoj Soni took over as UPSC chairman on May 16, 2023, after serving as a UPSC member since 2017, which has a tenure of six years. He reportedly submitted his resignation to the President about a month ago. However, it is not clear whether it will be accepted or not.

Manoj Soni is said to be close to PM Modi

Manoj Soni is known for his close relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who appointed him as the youngest Vice Chancellor of MS University in Vadodara in 2005. Before joining UPSC, he had served three tenures as Vice Chancellor in two universities in Gujarat, including two tenures at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU).

The Union Public Service Commission plays a key role in conducting various examinations on behalf of the central government, including civil services examinations. The institution usually recommends candidates for prestigious posts in IAS, IFS, IPS and central services.

UPSC in news after Pooja Khedkar case

UPSC is in the news after allegations against probationer IAS officer Pooja Khedkar, who allegedly forged her documents to get admission in civil services. However, Manoj Soni’s resignation is said to have no connection with this case.