5% Permanent Deduction in Pension of Former Municipal Commissioner in 8-Year-Old Case
Muzaffarpur: In a major administrative action taken under the 'zero tolerance' policy against corruption in Bihar, accountability has been fixed in the high-profile auto-tipper procurement scam of the Muzaffarpur Municipal Corporation. Former Municipal Commissioner Ranganath Chaudhary has faced repercussions in this eight-year-old case. Following an investigation, the General Administration Department has issued an order for a 5% permanent deduction from his pension.
What Was the Case?
The incident dates back to around 2018, when auto-tippers were purchased by the Muzaffarpur Municipal Corporation to improve the city's sanitation system. Serious allegations of financial irregularities and corruption were levelled during this procurement process. It was alleged that tender terms and government rules were ignored to benefit favored companies, and vehicles were purchased at prices significantly higher than the prevailing market rates.
After the matter came to light, the department took it seriously and ordered a departmental inquiry. During the investigation, it was found that while serving as Municipal Commissioner, Ranganath Chaudhary did not fulfill his responsibilities correctly and ignored the irregularities in the procurement process, causing significant financial loss to the state exchequer.
Action Taken After Being Found Guilty
After a long departmental inquiry lasting eight years, the General Administration Department has now delivered its final verdict. Based on the investigation report, he has been held directly responsible for these financial irregularities. Under government rules, a decision has been made to impose a 5% deduction from his pension following the finding of guilt.
This deduction is not merely temporary but 'permanent,' which is considered a major setback for the retired officer. Administrative experts state that this action serves as a stern message to other officials that they can be held accountable for unethical activities conducted during their tenure, even after retirement.
Strict Stance of the Administration
This scam in the Muzaffarpur Municipal Corporation had garnered significant headlines at the time. The action taken years after his retirement proves that the administration is serious about resolving pending cases and punishing the guilty.
Although there has been no official statement from the concerned officer following this action, it has become a major topic of discussion within the corporation. Intellectuals and citizens of the city have welcomed this move, stating that such a strict stance against those who misuse public funds is necessary to prevent such corrupt practices in the future.
This decision has once again sparked debate regarding other procurement cases in the Muzaffarpur Municipal Corporation, and there is an expectation that other irregularities may also be investigated in a similar manner.
