Jaipur: The Rajasthan government on Friday revealed that 206 officials have been identified in corruption-related cases connected to the Jal Jeevan Mission, sparking a tense exchange in the state Assembly. Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) Minister Kanhaiya Lal Choudhary provided details of the ongoing probe, confirming action against several senior officers, including a former Additional Chief Secretary.
Charge Sheets, Suspensions, and Arrests
Minister Choudhary stated that the Personnel Department had issued 68 charge sheets under Rule 16 of the CCA Rules. Additionally, 23 officials were suspended, and sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act was granted to proceed against 18 more officials.
So far, 12 arrests have been made in connection with these cases. Those arrested include:
- One former minister
- Three engineers
- Contractors and their staff
Action has also been initiated against 53 contractors and two third-party inspection agencies, highlighting the extensive network implicated in alleged irregularities.
Read also: MP IPS Officers: 59% Millionaires, Top Wealth Holder Ajay Kumar Sharma Owns ₹11.65 Crore in Property
Recovery of Funds
The department has recovered ₹5.34 crore to date, with an additional ₹3.77 crore under process for recovery. This demonstrates the government’s attempt to recoup funds misappropriated under the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme.
Senior IAS Officer Under Investigation
The Assembly witnessed heightened tension when Minister Choudhary confirmed that a senior IAS officer, who was the then Additional Chief Secretary, is under investigation. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against the officer. The minister stated, “Whoever is found guilty will face action,” but declined to disclose the name, citing procedural protocols.
Opposition Reacts
Opposition leaders expressed strong concerns over the government withholding details. State Congress Chief Govind Singh Dotasra and Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully demanded disclosure of the IAS officer’s name, saying:
“Name the IAS officer. Don’t make vague statements. Tell the House who is responsible.”
The Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani intervened to clarify that names are not disclosed on the floor during such proceedings, aiming to maintain decorum amid the sensitive investigation.
The exchange caused a brief disruption in the Assembly, reflecting the political sensitivity surrounding alleged irregularities in the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Overview
- Total officials identified: 206
- Charge sheets issued: 68
- Suspended officials: 23
- Sanction under PC Act: 18
- Arrests made: 12 (including 1 ex-minister, 3 engineers, contractors & staff)
- Contractors investigated: 53
- Third-party agencies under scrutiny: 2
- Funds recovered: ₹5.34 crore (additional ₹3.77 crore in recovery process)
The development underscores the Rajasthan government’s push for accountability in its flagship water supply program, while also raising questions about administrative transparency at senior levels.
