Serious Lapses Found in Water Tanker Deployment; Key Officers Suspended in Embezzlement Probe.
Shimla:
In a significant development, the Government has ordered the suspension of 5 officers of the Jal Shakti Vibhag (JSV) following a preliminary enquiry report revealing serious lapses and alleged embezzlement in the deployment of water tankers under the Matiana and Kasumpti Divisions.
The report, submitted by the Superintending Engineer, Jal Shakti Circle, Shimla, to the Government, has led to the identification of multiple officers and officials who were found to have contributed to the misconduct. The enquiry was conducted under the direction of the Engineer-in-Chief of the Jal Shakti Vibhag, Tutikandi, Shimla.
The officers and officials found responsible for these lapses include:
1. Ashok Kumar Bhopal, Executive Engineer (EE), JSV Division, Matiana, District Shimla.
2. Basant Singh, EE, JSV Division, Kasumpti, Shimla-9.
3. Parneet Thakur, Assistant Engineer (AE), JSV Sub-Division, Matiana.
4. Rakesh Kumar, AE, JSV Sub-Division, Koti.
5. Vivek Sharma, AE, JSV Sub-Division, Kotgarh (who also held the additional charge of Theog at the time of the incident).
Additionally, the enquiry found lapses involving lower-ranking officials, including Junior Engineers (JEs) and those in charge of different sub-divisions. These officers are:
6. Mast Ram Bragta, JE, Theog.
7. Suresh Kumar, JE, Lufughati.
8. Neem Chand, JE, Matiana.
9. Sudarshan, JE, now retired.
10. Sunil Kumar, JE, Dharech at Fagu (also holding additional charge).
The Government has taken swift action by suspending the officers mentioned in the report from serial 1 to 5. The notifications for the suspension of these officers were issued on January 3, 2025. The suspensions indicate the seriousness of the charges and the Government’s intent to address issues of accountability in the Jal Shakti Vibhag.
The preliminary enquiry into the deployment of water tankers, a key service in the region, has raised concerns about possible mismanagement and financial irregularities. The investigation is expected to continue, with further actions likely based on the findings of this ongoing enquiry.
The suspension of these officers is seen as a strong step toward maintaining transparency and accountability within the department, as the public continues to rely on the essential services provided by the Jal Shakti Vibhag, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The authorities have not yet disclosed further details on the nature and extent of the alleged embezzlement, but sources suggest that a thorough investigation is underway to identify all involved parties and take appropriate legal action.
