Rajasthan Government Exposes Widespread Corruption in Jal Jeevan Mission
The Rajasthan government on Friday disclosed that as many as 206 officials have been identified in corruption cases linked to the Jal Jeevan Mission, triggering heated exchanges in the state Assembly. Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) Minister Kanhaiya Lal Choudhary presented details of the ongoing investigation, confirming that action has been initiated against several senior officers, including a former Additional Chief Secretary.
Charge Sheets, Suspensions, and Arrests
According to Minister Choudhary, the Personnel Department has issued 68 charge sheets under Rule 16 of the CCA Rules. In addition, 23 officials have been suspended, while sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act has been granted to proceed against 18 more officials.
So far, 12 individuals have been arrested in connection with the scam. Those taken into custody include:
One former minister
Three engineers
Several contractors and their staff
Action has also been initiated against 53 contractors and two third‑party inspection agencies, underscoring the extensive network allegedly involved in irregularities.
Recovery of Misappropriated Funds
The department has successfully recovered ₹5.34 crore, while an additional ₹3.77 crore is currently in the process of recovery. These measures highlight the government’s efforts to reclaim public funds siphoned off under the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme.
Senior IAS Officer Under Scrutiny
Tensions escalated in the Assembly when Minister Choudhary confirmed that a senior IAS officer, who was serving as the then Additional Chief Secretary, is under investigation. The Anti‑Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against the officer. While assuring that “whoever is found guilty will face action,” the minister declined to reveal the officer’s name, citing procedural norms.
Opposition Demands Transparency
Opposition leaders strongly criticized the government’s decision to withhold the officer’s identity. State Congress Chief Govind Singh Dotasra and Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully pressed for disclosure, declaring:
“Name the IAS officer. Don’t make vague statements. Tell the House who is responsible.”
Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani intervened, clarifying that names are not disclosed during such proceedings in order to maintain decorum amid sensitive investigations. The exchange briefly disrupted the Assembly, reflecting the political volatility surrounding the Jal Jeevan Mission scandal.
