In an unprecedented crackdown on administrative misconduct, key figures like the District Magistrate and Municipal Commissioner of Haridwar are among those suspended following a fraudulent land purchase. The sudden suspension order by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has sent ripples through the administrative community.
This incident marks the first time such senior bureaucrats have faced suspension simultaneously whilst in office. Here's a closer look...
The dubious land deal, where agricultural land was purchased at an exorbitant commercial rate, is connected to Haridwar's Municipal Corporation. After a formal complaint, an investigation was led by Secretary Ranveer Chauhan, accumulating evidence in a detailed 100-page report that paved the way for this action.
A Dozen Officials Suspended Amid Investigations
In a landmark decision, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has suspended 12 officials, including two IAS and one PCS officer, under the zero-tolerance policy against corruption. This stringent action marks a historic move in Uttarakhand's governance. The vigilance department has now taken over the probe.
Source: aajtak
CM Dhami announced that this decisive action underscores a new era in administrative protocols, emphasizing that no official, regardless of rank, is exempt from accountability.
What is the Scam About?
The investigative report disclosed that the land transaction commenced at agricultural rates but concluded at inflated commercial rates. Intriguingly, a land committee was never established, with the SDM fast-tracking the paperwork unusually within just a few days, bypassing standard procedures.
The plot, adjacent to a rubbish site, had no urgent acquisition need, and the transaction lacked transparent procurement processes, aggravating financial anomalies based on arbitrary circle rates.
The report unearthed severe lapses in areas ranging from land selection, valuation, procedural adherence, to changes in land usage.
Source: aajtak
Implications for Senior Officers:
Karmendra Singh (DM, Haridwar) played a dubious role in authorizing and approving the land purchase without proper clearance.
Varun Chaudhary (Municipal Commissioner) authorized proposals sans standard protocol, impacting financial integrity.
Ajayveer Singh (PCS, SDM) neglected due inspection and verification processes, resulting in inaccurate reporting.
The mentioned officers have been relieved of their duties pending departmental investigations.
Additional Suspended Officials:
Nikita Bisht – Senior Financial Officer, Municipal Corporation
Vicky – Senior Personal Assistant
Rajesh Kumar – Kanungo, Registrar
Kamal Das – Chief Administrative Officer, Tehsil
Suspension Following Investigation Initiation:
Ravindra Kumar Dayal – In-charge Assistant Municipal Commissioner
Anand Singh Mishrawan – In-charge Executive Engineer
Lakshmikant Bhatt – Revenue and Tax Superintendent
Dinesh Chandra Kandpal – Junior Engineer
Also, extensions for retired property officer Vedpal have been terminated, initiating disciplinary actions.
Further scrutiny, now transferred to the vigilance department, will assess financial approvals by Varun Chaudhary.
Spotlight on DM's Role
The report highlights that the District Magistrate, as an administrative head, sanctioned the land purchase sans the formation of a Land Pulling Committee, despite it being a procedural mandate.
What is a Land Pulling Committee?
Such committees ensure transparent and balanced urban development land acquisitions, safeguarding against unauthorized transactions and corruption.
