UPSC Chairperson Manoj Soni Tenders Resignation Nearly 5 Years Before His Tenure

The Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Manoj Soni has tendered his resignation almost five years before his tenure was due to end. According to the The Hindu report, Soni has resigned from the post due to some “personal reasons”.

Soni, who had joined the UPSC as a Member in 2017, was sworn-in as the Chairperson in 2023.

“He resigned almost a month back… there was no clarity if the resignation would be accepted and he would be relieved,” the report quoting sources said. It also added that the resignation was not linked to the controversy regarding UPSC candidates securing employment by presenting fake certificates.

As per the report, Soni has submitted his resignation to the President of India. It is said that Soni wants to devote more time to Anoopam Mission, a branch of Swaminarayan Sect in Gujarat. He became a monk or nishkam karmayogi (selfless worker) in the Mission after receiving diksha or initiation in 2020, the report said.

The report mentioned Soni is considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had picked him as the Vice-Chancellor of Vadodara’s famous MS University in 2005 when he was 40 years old, making him the youngest V-C in the country.

Prior to his appointment to the UPSC in June 2017, Soni had served three terms as Vice-Chancellor in two universities, in his home State Gujarat.

Congress says Soni 'nudged out': In its reaction over the development, the Congress has said Soni apparently "nudged out" given the current controversy in which the UPSC is involved.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh also said the sanctity and autonomy of all Constitutional bodies have been badly damaged since 2014 -- the year Narendra Modi became prime minister.

Ramesh said, "The sanctity, character, autonomy, and professionalism of all Constitutional bodies have been badly damaged since 2014. But at times even the self-anointed non-biological PM is forced to say enough in enough."

He added, "Mr. Modi brought in one of his favourite 'academics' from Gujarat as a UPSC member in 2017 and made him Chairman in 2023 with a six year term. But this so-called distinguished gentleman has now resigned five years before the expiry of his term.

"Whatever the reasons that may be given, it appears clear that he had to be nudged out given the current controversy in which the UPSC is involved."

Many more such characters have populated the system, he said, and wondered why the Chairman of the NTA remains untouched so far.

"The UPSC chairman had tendered his resignation citing personal reasons over a fortnight back. It is yet to be accepted," a source said.