The recent appointment of 2000 batch IAS officer Pooja Singhal, who is currently out on bail in connection with a money laundering case linked to the MGNREGA scam, as the Secretary of the Information Technology (IT) Department and the CEO of Jharkhand Communication Network Ltd. has stirred a major controversy in the state of Jharkhand.
Ms Singhal’s appointment, which comes despite objections from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), has raised concerns over the potential misuse of authority. The ED had previously filed an application in the Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Court, requesting that Singhal not be assigned to any official position while the investigation is ongoing. The ED expressed fears that giving her a government role might lead to interference in the case.
Ms Singhal was arrested for allegedly embezzling large sums of money from the MGNREGA funds in Khunti. After spending 28 months in jail, she was granted bail by the special PMLA Court in Ranchi on December 7, 2024. Following her release, the state government revoked her suspension and reinstated her, effective from the same date.
The PMLA Court has yet to deliver its verdict after hearing arguments from both parties on Monday, with the next hearing scheduled for February 27. As the case continues, the appointment has prompted strong political reactions.
The BJP has voiced its opposition, questioning the decision to appoint Singhal despite the ED’s objections. Veteran BJP leader and former minister CP Singh criticized the move, accusing the state government of reappointing individuals facing serious charges related to the misappropriation of state funds.
On the other hand, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has defended the decision, stating that Singhal is an accused, not a convicted individual. JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey further accused the BJP of politicizing the issue, pointing out that there were no restrictions from the PMLA court regarding Singhal’s posting. Pandey also highlighted that during the BJP’s tenure, IAS officers like Sajal Chakravarty and Pradeep Kumar, who were under investigation, were given important roles.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the political tension surrounding Singhal’s appointment is expected to escalate, especially as the PMLA Court prepares for its next hearing.
