Lucknow | In a major action over corruption, the administration has suspended two officials posted at the District Industry Office in Hamirpur for allegedly collecting illegal payments from beneficiaries of various government schemes. Those suspended include Assistant Commissioner and in charge Deputy Commissioner of Industries Ravi Verma and Assistant Manager Santosh Rao.
The action follows a detailed inquiry conducted under the supervision of the District Magistrate. The investigation revealed that beneficiaries were allegedly forced to pay money through middlemen and departmental staff to avail themselves of benefits under different schemes.
According to the findings, beneficiaries were provided tool kits only after depositing half of the sanctioned amount in advance. Complaints suggested that money was being collected in the name of facilitating loans and subsidies under the Chief Minister Self Employment Scheme at the District Industry Centre.
After receiving complaints, District Magistrate Ghanshyam Meena constituted a joint inquiry team of the Chief Development Officer and the Additional District Magistrate. The probe confirmed the involvement of Ravi Verma and Santosh Rao in the irregularities. Following submission of the report, the government ordered their suspension on Monday and directed disciplinary proceedings against them.
In the same matter, District Manager Milan Kumar has already been dismissed from service. The investigation further indicated that the three officials acted in collusion and the alleged malpractice had reportedly been continuing for nearly five years.
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