ACB awaits nod from CM for IT probe in Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, the responsibility for investigating irregularities, particularly in the video wall tender process at the Directorate of Information Technology (DOIT), now falls on the newly appointed CM, Bhajan Lal. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) sought approval two months ago from the Personnel Department to interrogate and investigate Chairman Akhil Arora for alleged irregularities in the DOIT. However, it seems officials within the Personnel Department are maintaining confidentiality.
Insiders suggest that CM Bhajan Lal Sharma will be the deciding authority on whether an inquiry should proceed against Arora. In such cases, the ACB needs prior approval from the department head to take action against the concerned officer, as per the 2017 amendment to anti-corruption laws, limiting the ACB’s direct action.
The ACB can only instigate action through a trap. In the last four years, the ACB sought permission for investigations against 55 officers based on corruption complaints, with only 10% receiving approval from department heads. In over half of the cases, approval for an inquiry was not granted. Around 20 cases with pending matters without permission involve departments with the highest numbers, including UDH, DLB, Medical, Personnel, and Home.
With the BJP taking control of the state, Akhil Arora is facing a precarious situation. Following a confidential complaint, the ACB sought permission for the investigation but is yet to receive approval from the Personnel Department.