Jaipur: The Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has intensified its investigation into the alleged Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) scam linked to the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), with as many as 139 engineers now under scrutiny in connection with an estimated ₹587 crore fraud.
Massive Irregularities in JJM Projects
According to sources, the scam revolves around large-scale irregularities in the execution of rural water supply projects under the Central government’s Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide tap water to every rural household.
Investigations suggest that officials and contractors allegedly manipulated tender processes, submitted forged documents, and approved inflated project costs, causing significant losses to the state exchequer.
Earlier probes into similar cases revealed that private firms secured contracts worth hundreds of crores using fake completion certificates and falsified eligibility documents, often with the alleged collusion of senior PHED officials.
139 Engineers Under ACB Lens
The ACB has reportedly identified 139 engineers across various levels—including junior engineers, assistant engineers, and senior officials—whose roles are being examined.
More Read
Officials suspect that:
- Fake measurements and inflated billing were approved
- Work completion reports were manipulated on paper
- Payments were cleared without proper ground verification
- Tender norms were bypassed to favour selected contractors
The probe aims to determine individual accountability and establish the extent of involvement of each अधिकारी.
Modus Operandi: Fake Documents and Tender Manipulation
Investigators have found a consistent pattern in the scam:
More Read
- Contractors allegedly used forged experience certificates to qualify for major projects
- Tender conditions were altered to limit competition
- “Site visit certificates” were misused to reveal bidder identities and facilitate cartelisation
- Projects were re-tendered to inflate costs and approve higher premiums
Such practices have been flagged in earlier ACB investigations as well, pointing to systemic corruption within the department.
Wider Scam Network Already Under Probe
The ₹587 crore मामला appears to be part of a larger, multi-layered scam in Rajasthan’s JJM implementation.
- Previous investigations have uncovered contracts worth around ₹960 crore obtained through fraudulent means
- Multiple engineers and private contractors have already been arrested
- Cases involve fake documentation, bribery, and substandard or incomplete work execution
The ACB has also constituted Special Investigation Teams (SITs) in related मामलों to ensure a comprehensive probe.
Impact on Public Services
The ongoing कार्रवाई has begun affecting PHED operations, with several engineers suspended, arrested, or reassigned. Reports indicate that the department is facing manpower shortages, which could impact water supply services, especially during peak summer demand.
What Happens Next?
The ACB is expected to:
- Issue notices and conduct interrogations of the identified engineers
- Audit project files, financial records, and field execution reports
- Register additional FIRs based on findings
- Expand the probe to include senior अधिकारियों and political links, if any
Officials say more arrests and suspensions are likely as the investigation progresses.
More Read
Conclusion:
The Rajasthan PHED–JJM scam is emerging as one of the biggest corruption cases in the state’s water supply sector, with hundreds of officials under scrutiny. As the ACB deepens its probe, the focus remains on fixing accountability and preventing misuse of public funds meant for essential rural infrastructure.