The Bhajanlal government in Rajasthan has demonstrated its firm commitment to combating corruption by taking decisive action in response to allegations of commission-taking in MLA funds. Following widespread reports in a local newspaper and the emergence of sting operation videos, the government has swiftly suspended two senior officials from the education department in Nagaur and Karauli districts. This move sends a clear message that corruption at any level. Won't be tolerated and that accountability will be enforced rigorously.
Allegations of Commission in MLA Funds
The core of the issue revolves around alleged irregularities and demands for commission in works sanctioned through the MLA Local Area Development (MLALAD) fund. A detailed report published in a local newspaper highlighted serious accusations of misuse of these funds and the practice of demanding commissions, while concurrently, a video from a sting operation surfaced, intensifying the controversy. This video purportedly showed a BJP, a Congress, and an independent MLA discussing commission, which Importantly increased public and political pressure on the government to act.
Suspension of Mundwa ACBEo
As part of the government's crackdown, Kailash Ram, the ACBEo (Assistant Chief Block Education Officer) and Acting Chief Block Education Officer in Mundwa, Nagaur district, has been suspended. According to the order issued by the Education Department, Kailash Ram is accused. Of demanding commission and goods in exchange for works approved under the MLA fund. The department emphasized that his actions have not only undermined the dignity of government service but also tarnished the image of the education department. Such conduct has been explicitly deemed a violation of the public servant code of conduct. Following his suspension, Kailash Ram has been attached to the District Education. Officer (Secondary) Banswara, where he will receive subsistence allowance as per rules.
Karauli DEO Also Suspended
In a related development, Pushpendra Kumar Sharma, the District Education Officer (Primary Education–Headquarters) in Karauli, has also faced significant action. He has been suspended with immediate effect, and disciplinary proceedings have been initiated. Against him under the Rajasthan Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1958. During his suspension period, Pushpendra Sharma's headquarters will be the Director, Secondary Education, Rajasthan Bikaner. He will also be entitled to subsistence allowance as per regulations. The Education Department has further cancelled a previous order that placed Pushpendra Sharma in a state of “awaiting posting orders,” underscoring the seriousness with which this matter is being handled.
The Sting Operation Unveiled
The entire controversy stems from a sting operation that recorded conversations related to alleged commission-taking from MLA funds. The video from this sting operation reportedly featured Rewant Ram Danga, the MLA from the Khinvsar constituency, discussing commission. The surfacing of this video created a stir in political circles and amplified calls for action against corruption. The newspaper report further publicized these allegations, mounting pressure on the government for a swift and decisive response.
Khinvsar MLA's Denial
However, following the uproar caused by the sting operation video, BJP MLA Rewant Ram Danga from Khinvsar vehemently denied the allegations. In his response, he dismissed the accusations as baseless and false. Danga clarified that the individual who conducted the sting operation had approached him multiple times before, including recently. According to the MLA, the person repeatedly discussed approvals, but he had explicitly refused. He further stated that approvals for works are granted based on the demands of villagers and. After consulting with local representatives and community members at the ground level, not for personal gain.
Upholding Public Service Integrity
Besides Khinvsar MLA Rewant Ram Danga, the sting operation videos also reportedly showed Congress MLA Anita Jatav from Hindaun and independent MLA Ritu Banawat from Bayana (Bharatpur) discussing alleged corruption in MLA funds. The involvement of these three legislators broadened the scope of the controversy, raising questions across different political affiliations. The newspaper report brought these aspects to light, increasing public concern regarding the utilization of MLA funds.
Such allegations and the subsequent actions taken raise serious questions about the dignity of government service and the image of the department. A violation of the public servant code of conduct isn't only detrimental to the individual officer but also erodes public trust in the entire administrative framework, while the swift action taken by the Bhajanlal government demonstrates its commitment to transparency and accountability, indicating that it won't tolerate any form of corruption. This move also serves as a warning to other officials and public representatives to discharge their duties with honesty and integrity.
