Rajasthan Government Launches High-Level Probe into Massive MGNREGA Tank Scam
In a significant development, Rural Development Minister Kirori Lal Meena announced on Thursday that the Rajasthan government has ordered a high-level investigation into an alleged scam exceeding Rs 1,450 crore. This scandal is linked to tank construction works carried out under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) during the previous Congress administration.
Details of the Alleged Irregularities
Minister Meena provided specific insights into the scale of the irregularities, stating, "As per our assessment, the scam exceeds Rs 1,450 crore. In Nagaur district alone, no tanks were built despite allocations, and irregularities of more than Rs 300 crore occurred. We will investigate that as well." This revelation highlights potential widespread mismanagement and fraud in the implementation of rural development projects aimed at providing employment and water conservation infrastructure.
Broader Administrative Reforms Announced
Simultaneously, Panchayati Raj Minister Madan Dilawar announced several key policy changes. He declared that the state government would grant leases to temples constructed on populated land through a special campaign, addressing long-standing legal ambiguities. Additionally, Dilawar introduced stricter norms for meat shops in villages, mandating that they now adhere to city-like regulations to ensure hygiene and compliance.
These announcements underscore the current government's focus on transparency in governance and administrative overhaul following the alleged financial misconduct under the previous regime. The probe into the MGNREGA scam is expected to scrutinize contracts, fund disbursements, and physical verification of constructed tanks across various districts.
