Crackdown on Corrupt Bureaucrats: Rajasthan Targets Retired IAS Officers, Pension Suspensions Likely
State Government Approves Action Against Retired IAS Nirmala Meena in ₹8 Crore Wheat Scam; Pension Suspension Recommended Amid Crackdown on Corrupt Officials
The Rajasthan government is preparing to halt the pension of retired IAS officer Nirmala Meena, who has been accused in an ₹8 crore wheat distribution scam. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) had registered a case against her in 2017, following which a charge sheet was filed in 2018.
The ACB, having found the allegations credible, had sent the necessary files to the state government for official sanction to proceed. However, successive BJP and Congress governments failed to take any action. Now, the Bhajanlal-led administration has given official approval for proceedings against her.
Following this decision, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has been recommended to stop Meena's pension post-retirement. The department is expected to seek approval from the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) before implementing the order.
More Officials Under Scanner
The ACB has also prepared to take action against several other officials, including RAS officer Pinky Meena. In 2021, during the construction of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway near Dausa, a bribery case involving Pinky Meena and RAS officer Pushkar Mittal came to light. Both were caught taking bribes and arrested by the ACB.
The ACB was awaiting official sanction to proceed against them, which was scheduled to expire on June 1.
The government’s latest move has reportedly sent shockwaves through the ranks of several retired IAS officers who are under investigation for corruption. According to reports, about a dozen retired officials are now anxious about similar action.
The government is now scrutinizing cases involving retired officials who were caught red-handed accepting bribes and are awaiting prosecution approvals.
This marks a major shift in the state’s approach to holding retired officials accountable and sends a strong message against corruption in public service.
