The Dhami government in Uttarakhand has taken significant action in the Haridwar land scam case. A total of 12 officials, including two IAS officers, one PCS officer, and nine other government employees, have been suspended.
Land Scam Case: Uttarakhand's political and bureaucratic landscape was shaken when Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered the suspension of two IAS officers, one PCS officer, and nine other government employees in connection with the Haridwar land scam. This action is being viewed as a b message towards administrative accountability and transparency in the state.
Details of the Scam:
The case involves the purchase of land by the Haridwar Municipal Corporation. Reports indicate that the corporation purchased unsuitable and commercially unproductive land at a price many times higher than its market value. Land valued at approximately ₹15 crore was purchased for ₹54 crore. Furthermore, it was found that there was no immediate need for the land and serious irregularities were committed during the purchase process.
No Investigation, No Need – Why Was the Land Purchased?
Preliminary investigations revealed that neither was there an official assessment of the land's need, nor was transparency maintained in the purchase process. This deal was executed in complete disregard for government regulations and financial discipline. It appears that this entire episode was a scam orchestrated for personal gain.
Action Taken: Suspended Officials
Following Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's orders, the administration took immediate action. The suspended officials include:
- Karmender Singh – Former District Magistrate of Haridwar (IAS)
- Varun Chaudhary – Former Municipal Commissioner (IAS)
- Ajayveer Singh – Former SDM (PCS)
- Nikita Bisht – Senior Finance Officer
- Rajesh Kumar – Kanungo
- Kamaldas – Tehsil Administrative Officer
- Vicky – Senior Personal Assistant
In the first phase, in addition to these officers, the in-charge Assistant Municipal Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, Ravindra Kumar Dayal, Executive Engineer Anand Singh Mishravan, Tax and Revenue Superintendent Lakshmikant Bhatt, and Junior Engineer Dinesh Chandra Kandpal were also included in the suspension list. The service extension of property clerk Vedwal has been terminated, and orders for separate disciplinary action against him have also been issued.
Vigilance Inquiry Recommended
Given the seriousness of the matter, the Dhami government has ordered a vigilance inquiry. The vigilance department will now investigate the entire scam – who cleared the files, at what level the decision was made, and who benefited personally. This is perhaps the first time in Uttarakhand that the ruling government has taken such stringent action against senior officials within its own administration.
This initiative by the Dhami government is not merely an attempt to curb corruption, but also a significant step towards establishing the government's integrity and honesty among the public.
