The Rajasthan government has suspended 103 officials, including an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, and dismissed six others from service over corruption-related convictions in the past two and a half years. The data was released on Friday, a day after an FIR was registered against Minister Gautam Kumar Dak in Chittorgarh for allegedly threatening and abusing a police officer, sparking fresh political debate on governance and accountability.
Action Against Retired Officials
According to government data, action was taken against 11 retired officials whose lifetime pensions have been withheld. The state granted prosecution sanction in 108 cases involving bribery, disproportionate assets, and abuse of office. Additionally, approval under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act was given in 37 cases.
Chief Minister's Statement
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma reiterated the government's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. "Our highest priority is to provide people with a sensitive, transparent, and corruption-free administration. Any official who misuses public money will neither retain his job nor pension, and there will be no escape from the law," Sharma said.
Dismissed Officials
Among those dismissed after court convictions are former Suwana (Bhilwara) development officer Bharat Prakash Meghwal, former Jhunjhunu deputy director of agriculture Rajesh Kumar Nainawat, former Bharatpur assistant commissioner (commercial taxes) Mahavir Singh Aasiwal, and three medical officers — Dr. Ram Mohan Singh Chauhan, Dr. Murlidhar Sharma, and Dr. Manohar Lal.
Pension Penalties
The state imposed the harshest pension penalty on 11 retired officials by stopping 100% of their lifetime pension benefits. Those penalized include former Alwar UIT deputy secretary Banwari Lal Meena (RAS), former senior medical officer Dr. Shivnarayan Yadav, former deputy secretary Devendra Singh Dhillon (RAS), former Kapasan development officer Manohar Lal Sisodia, and former RPS officer Mahendra Singh, among others.
Recent Actions
In a recent case, senior PHED chemist Pradeep Kumar Hazarati of Alwar was removed from service for allegedly preparing fake reports related to drinking water quality testing. "Tampering with drinking water quality reports is a grave betrayal of public trust and public health. Such negligence cannot be tolerated," a senior government official said.
Former additional public prosecutor Hari Singh Meena was also dismissed after being convicted by an Anti-Corruption Bureau court. The government further imposed compulsory retirement on former senior veterinary officer Dr. Vilas Rao Gulhane, while former IGNP executive engineer Deshraj Noonia was stripped of his full pension benefits.
Prosecution Sanctions
Prosecution sanction was recently granted against several officials, including former Deeg SDM Devi Singh, former Lalsot BCMO Dr. Pawan Kumar Jain, former PHED executive engineer Maya Lal Saini, former assistant engineer Rakesh Chauhan, and others associated with the public health engineering department.
The government did not provide a department-wise breakup of the 103 suspended officials or identify the IAS officer against whom disciplinary action was initiated. "The message is clear: corruption, abuse of office, and misconduct will invite strict action irrespective of rank or position," an official statement said.
