Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has sanctioned strict action against numerous public servants for negligence, indiscipline, and corruption. Over 50 cases related to prosecution sanction, matters under Section 17-A of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, and departmental inquiries were reviewed and addressed by the Chief Minister. Notably, prosecution sanction was granted against a former Sub-Divisional Officer and two officials from the Public Works Department and the Women and Child Development Department for their involvement in passing illegal orders and providing undue benefits to private individuals.
In a separate instance, the Chief Minister dismissed the then Secretary of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee from state service due to a court conviction, while another officer was removed from service for prolonged absence. Furthermore, a detailed inquiry under Section 17-A of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, was approved against a former Development Officer accused of misuse of power, irregular payments, and causing financial loss to the public exchequer.
Additionally, in coordination with the Union Public Service Commission, the Chief Minister enhanced the penalty against an Indian Police Service officer in two cases. Moreover, 27 state service officers faced penalties ranging from the withholding of two to four increments, with cumulative effect, in 23 cases involving serious charges under Rule 16 of the CCA Rules. The Chief Minister also sanctioned the withholding of pensions from five retired officers and forwarded investigation findings in nine cases with substantiated allegations to the Governor for further action.
Of the five appeals filed by state service officers, four were rejected, and the penalty was reduced in one case. Notably, in cases seeking prosecution sanction, a departmental inquiry was ordered, prosecution sanction was withheld in two cases, and acquittal was approved in three departmental inquiry cases. The state government reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring accountability and transparency in administration by taking stringent action against officials found guilty of corruption or misconduct.
