JUST A ‘TAD’ BIT OF CORRUPTION?

Jaipur: In a rare development, the National Commission for SC-ST has initiated a suo-moto investigation against Rajasthan’s TAD department over corruption. The Commission has sought report from Chief Secretary Usha Sharma, by April 13, on the investigation and action taken till now in these cases. Moreover, the Commission has also warned that if the report is not submitted within the stipulated time, then the Commission, using the powers given to it by the Constitution, can get a summon issued through civil court and get order issues to be physically present in court. The Commission has even appointed an investigating officer.

A civilian had complained to the Chairman of the Commission in Dec 2022 claiming a scam in furniture purchase and some other corruption related complaints were made. Considering these to be a serious issue, the Commission initiated an investigation.

Sources reveal that this is perhaps first of its kind of case, where the investigation of corruption in a department has been taken over by a Commission. Generally, the Human Rights Commission or the Women Commission, ie a national level Commission, interfere in state works.

According to the complaint, furniture was to be purchased for 600 hostels from the funds available in TADA and MADA. However, a supply order was given on a rate sixty nine percent more, to a firm that was not even eligible. The product that was finally given was of a bad quality. Apart from this, there is a complaint of corruption in payment of worth Rs 200 crore in the Swachcha Scheme. According to the complainant, no action was taken against those involved and the officials have had a ‘field day’ with the money made from corruption.

In the current government, five Commissioners and five Secretaries have been changed. Either there have been full time Secretaries or the TAD has been clubbed with Social Justice department. But at present, Principal Secretary Administrative Reforms and Printing and Stationery, Alok Gupta, has been handed the reins of TAD whereas, both the departments have no connection anywhere.

It is also being said that the TAD Headquarters will be shifted from Udaipur to the newly formed Banswara division, because eighty per cent population falls under Banswara.

So, the bureaucracy and the administrative experts are eager to find out as to what all is said in the Chief Secretary’s report and what action the National Commission for SC-ST takes in the matter.