Haryana CM Orders Probe and Action Over Rs 100 Crore Swachh Bharat Fund Lapse
In a significant administrative development, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has directed stringent action against 22 officials, including high-ranking IAS officers, after it was revealed that approximately Rs 100 crore in central government funds allocated under the Swachh Bharat Mission remained unutilized this year. This lapse has raised serious concerns about planning and implementation within the state's Urban Local Bodies (ULB) department.
Details of the Financial and Administrative Breach
The unutilized funds were part of a total allocation of Rs 342 crore granted to Haryana for the financial year 2025-2026 under the Swachh Bharat Mission. This budget was designated for sanitation and beautification projects across the state, based on approved Annual Implementation Plans (AIPs) and specific projects sanctioned by both the central and state governments.
The officials implicated in this lapse include:
- A direct IAS recruit from the 2019 batch
- An IAS officer promoted from the Haryana Civil Services (HCS) cadre
- A joint director-level officer from the ULB department
- Several other departmental officials of various ranks
This failure to utilize the funds has not only questioned the preparedness and strategic planning of the ULB department but has also adversely affected the ratings of civic bodies and cities under the Swachh Bharat Mission's evaluation framework.
Discovery During High-Level Budget Meeting
The issue came to light during a recently convened budget meeting of the ULB department, which was chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The meeting was attended by senior officials including ULB Minister Vipul Goel and Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Saket Kumar.
Sources indicate that during the discussions, questions were raised regarding the budget, planning, and implementation of various schemes under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Initially, officials exhibited hesitation, but eventually disclosed the details of the unutilized central funds. Notably, an additional director of the department failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the lapse, which triggered significant displeasure from CM Saini.
Chief Minister's Directive and Ongoing Investigation
In response to the revelation, Chief Minister Saini issued clear directives to senior officials. He mandated that detailed administrative penal action be taken against all officials responsible for the lapse. Simultaneously, he instructed the exploration of possibilities to seek additional time for the implementation of projects to utilize the sanctioned funds effectively.
Dr. Saket Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Local Bodies department in Haryana, confirmed on Tuesday that a thorough probe is currently underway. "The investigation is in progress. We are meticulously examining each and every fact related to this issue. Based on the findings, we will initiate appropriate action," stated Dr. Kumar.
The state government is now focused on ensuring accountability and improving fund utilization mechanisms to prevent such lapses in the future, thereby safeguarding the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission in enhancing urban sanitation and aesthetics across Haryana.
