Uproar in House after min confirms action against IAS officer in Jal Jeevan Mission cases

Jaipur: The Rajasthan govt has identified 206 officials in corruption-related cases under the Jal Jeevan Mission, PHED minister Kanhaiya Lal Choudhary told the Assembly Friday, sparking protests from the Opposition after he confirmed action against a senior IAS officer.Choudhary said 68 officers were issued charge sheets under Rule 16 of the CCA Rules by the personnel department and 23 were suspended. Sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act was granted to proceed against 18 officials.
He said 12 arrests have been made so far. "Those arrested include one former minister, three engineers, contractors, and members of their staff," he added. Action was also initiated against 53 contractors and two third-party inspection agencies. The department recovered Rs 5.34 crore, while recovery of another Rs 3.77 crore is underway. Tension rose after the minister confirmed a case was registered against a senior IAS officer. "We registered a case with the Anti-Corruption Bureau against the concerned IAS officer, who was the then Additional Chief Secretary. Whoever is found guilty will face action," he said. The statement triggered protests from Opposition members. State Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra and Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully demanded that the officer's name be disclosed. "Name the IAS officer. Don't make vague statements. Tell the House who is responsible," they said, alleging the govt was withholding details. Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani intervened, clarifying that names are not disclosed on the floor of the House during such proceedings. The exchange caused brief disruption amid the politically sensitive investigation into alleged irregularities in the Jal Jeevan Mission.