Rajasthan Withholds Pay Hikes, Pensions for 33 Officials
Jaipur, October 28: The Rajasthan government has initiated stern disciplinary measures against 33 officials, including serving and retired personnel, over charges of corruption, collusion with illegal sand mining syndicates, financial irregularities and negligence in duties.
The government has ordered that annual salary increments be withheld for 17 serving officials, while the pensions of 16 retired officials have been either withheld or reduced. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has underlined his government's resolve towards good governance, transparency and accountability, in line with his zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
After 30 disciplinary cases involving major penalties were resolved, the government approved the withholding of two to four annual increments for 17 serving state officials. Separate orders have been issued to withhold or reduce pensions of 16 retired officials found guilty of serious wrongdoing.
The actions against serving officials chiefly concern collusion with criminals and illegal miners, as well as negligence in police investigations. Investigations revealed that a Circle Officer (CO), who held the post at the time, had colluded with individuals involved in illegal sand mining and criminal activities and had allegedly obtained undue advantages. A total of four annual increments have been approved to be withheld in his case.
In another criminal matter, a Circle Inspector (CI), an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and a constable of that period were found careless in carrying out a proper inquiry. Disciplinary measures, including withholding of annual increments, have been imposed on these employees.
The state has also taken action against officers held responsible for poor implementation of government schemes and failure to complete official tasks. An officer of the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) has been penalised for serious negligence in the inspection and maintenance of works carried out under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Three medical officers have been subjected to disciplinary action for staying away from duty for long periods without permission.
In a separate grave case of wrongful blood transfusion, a doctor has been punished by withholding two annual increments. Officers from the Bar, Horticulture and Secretariat services have also faced disciplinary action after allegations of wrongdoing were proven.
The Bhajan Lal Sharma government has clarified that retirement does not free officials from responsibility for serious misconduct committed during their service.
Sixteen retired officials have received pension-related penalties in cases of financial irregularities and other serious rule violations. One retired Rajasthan Accounts Service officer was found guilty of manipulating government records to provide undue favours to a private company, resulting in heavy financial loss to the state treasury. The government has ordered that his entire 100 per cent pension be withheld permanently.
Two retired RAS officers were held accountable for inflicting major financial loss on the government by wrongly showing residential and commercial plots as agricultural land. As a penalty, 20 per cent of their pensions have been withheld for a period of five years.
The government has also taken disciplinary decisions in matters relating to the Medical and Health, Social Justice, Mines, College Education and Devasthan departments. It has stressed that disciplinary action must follow prescribed rules and be carried out transparently.
Under Rule 16 of the Rajasthan Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1958, relief was granted to officials in eight cases, as detailed inquiries did not find sufficient basis to sustain the allegations.
The government has said that disciplinary action will depend on the outcome of each individual case, ensuring proper punishment for those proven guilty and relief for those against whom no charges stand. Through action against 33 serving and retired officials, the Rajasthan government has strengthened its commitment to combating corruption, stopping illegal mining, preventing financial irregularities and enhancing accountability across the state administration.