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Rajasthan CM Cracks Down on Corruption, Toughens Penalties for IPS Officers

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has approved stringent measures against public servants involved in corruption and misconduct. The review led to prosecution sanctions, dismissals, and enhanced penalties, including for an IPS officer. Actions included withholding pensions from retired officials and forwarding cases to the Governor. The government emphasized its commitment to administrative accountability and transparency.

Key Points: Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma's Anti-Corruption Drive

  • Prosecution sanctions granted
  • IPS officer penalty enhanced
  • Pensions of retired officers withheld
  • Over 50 cases reviewed and disposed
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Rajasthan CM toughens anti-corruption drive; IPS penalty raised​

Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma approves strict action against corrupt officials, enhances IPS penalties, and withholds pensions in major review.

Rajasthan CM toughens anti-corruption drive; IPS penalty raised​
"The state government reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in administration - Official Statement"

Jaipur, March 9

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Monday approved strict action against several public servants for negligence, indiscipline and corruption. ​

In a major review, the Chief Minister disposed of more than 50 cases related to prosecution sanction, matters under Section 17-A of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 and departmental inquiries.​

Sharma granted prosecution sanction against the then Sub-Divisional Officer and two officials from the Public Works Department and the Women and Child Development Department for passing illegal orders in favour of private individuals and providing undue benefits.​

In another case, the then Secretary of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee was dismissed from state service following a court conviction, while another officer was removed from service due to prolonged absence. ​

The Chief Minister also approved a detailed inquiry under Section 17-A of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, against a former Development Officer accused of misuse of power, irregular payments and causing financial loss to the public exchequer.​

In consultation with the Union Public Service Commission, Sharma approved the enhancement of the penalty against an Indian Police Service officer in two cases. ​

Additionally, in 23 cases involving serious charges under Rule 16 of the CCA Rules, 27 state service officers were penalised by the withholding of two to four increments, with cumulative effect. ​

The Chief Minister also approved withholding pensions from five retired officers. ​

Investigation findings in nine other cases where allegations were substantiated were forwarded to the Governor for further action. ​

Of the five appeals filed by state service officers, four were rejected, while the penalty was reduced in one case. ​

In one case seeking sanction for prosecution, a departmental inquiry was ordered; prosecution sanction was withheld in two cases, and acquittal was approved in three departmental inquiry cases. ​

The state government reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in administration and taking strict action against officials found guilty of corruption or misconduct.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Withholding pensions of retired officers is a crucial step. Often, corrupt officials retire comfortably with their benefits intact. This sends a strong message that accountability has no retirement age.
R
Rohit P
Good move, but I'll believe it when I see results on the ground. We've seen many "crackdowns" before. The real test is if a common person in a village can get their work done without paying a bribe.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in governance, this is a positive signal. Disposing of 50+ pending cases shows intent to clear the backlog. The involvement of UPSC for the IPS officer's penalty adds necessary rigor.
V
Vikram M
Targeting officers in PWD and Women & Child Development is important. These departments handle schemes that directly impact the poor and vulnerable. Misuse of funds there is a crime against society.
M
Michael C
While the action seems comprehensive, I hope due process was followed meticulously. In the zeal to act against corruption, we must ensure innocent officers are not penalized based on frivolous or motivated complaints.
K
Kavya N
This is a good start! But what about the political masters? Often, officers act under pressure. The drive needs to be holistic. Still, kudos for taking the first step

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