IAS Tina Dabi Responds to Controversy Over Presidential Award, Calls Allegations Baseless

Jaipur: Barmer District Collector and IAS officer Tina Dabi has addressed the controversy surrounding the recent Presidential Award she received, categorically rejecting all allegations.

The award, worth ₹2 crore, was presented in recognition of Barmer’s exemplary work under the “Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari” (Water Conservation Public Participation) program. However, shortly after the announcement, questions arose regarding the accuracy of the data submitted for the award. Several public representatives, including Jaisalmer-Barmer MP Ummed Ram Beniwal, claimed that outdated data from past years had been presented as current to qualify for the award.

IAS Dabi Refutes Allegations
Speaking to the media, Tina Dabi stated that the social media posts questioning the award were misleading and false. She clarified that Barmer was awarded first prize for constructing over 79,000 water conservation structures and for fostering public participation under the program. The award came with an incentive of ₹2 crore.

“The basis of this award is verified data and photographs at the block and district level, recorded on the official Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari portal,” said Dabi.

Clarification on Photo Allegations
Regarding claims that certain uploaded photos were duplicate or fake, Dabi explained that the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) program is entirely separate from the “Catch the Rain” (CTR) portal. On the CTR portal, photos from three blocks — Dhorimanna, Chauhatta, and Barmer Rural — were uploaded by different employees under the respective BDOs, which led to apparent duplication.

Investigation Underway
Tina Dabi added that if any photos were uploaded incorrectly, a thorough investigation is underway. Any discrepancies found will be corrected by the concerned BDOs, and strict action will be taken against any responsible officer or employee.

The Barmer Collector’s clarification seeks to put an end to the rumors and reiterates that the Presidential Award was granted based on verified achievements and transparent data.