Rajasthan Commission Scandal Widens: Officials Now Also Accused of Taking 5–10% Cut; Action Imminent

Jaipur, Rajasthan: The ongoing commission scandal in Rajasthan, which initially implicated three legislators, has now widened to include government officials. Allegations have surfaced that officials were also demanding 5–10% of project funds in exchange for approving work orders, prompting authorities to plan strict action.

Officials Caught in Sting Operation

The controversy first erupted after a media sting operation revealed that legislators were taking up to 40–50% commission on development funds. The latest investigation shows that officials were negotiating their share before approving the work. Kalash Ram, Chief Block Education Officer (CBEO) of Mundwa, Nagaur, and Pushpendra Sharma, District Education Officer (DEO – Primary) of Karauli, reportedly demanded 5% and 10% respectively from recommendation letters submitted by legislators before issuing work orders.

• Example:
  • CBEO Kalash Ram allegedly demanded 5% on a recommendation from Revantharam Danga, MLA from Khivsar.
  • DEO Pushpendra Sharma reportedly took 10% from the recommendation of Anita Jatav, MLA from Hindon.

Government Prepares Action

Following the release of the sting operation footage, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma froze the legislators’ fund accounts and formed a high-level inquiry committee to submit a report within 15 days. Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devanani has also directed the Ethics Committee to investigate the matter. With officials now implicated, action against Kalash Ram, Pushpendra Sharma, and other officers is expected shortly.

Misuse of Development Funds

The sting operation revealed alarming figures: only 30% of sanctioned funds are actually used for development work. The remaining 70% is divided among legislators, officials, and contractors:

• 40–50%: Legislators
• 10–15%: Officials
• ~20%: Contractors’ profit

This leaves only 30% of funds for actual development projects, raising serious questions about transparency and governance.

The scandal has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with users criticizing systemic corruption, summing it up with the popular phrase: “Gai bhains pani mein” (the situation is utterly ruined). The developments signal urgent administrative and legal intervention to curb rampant misuse of public funds.