Madhya Pradesh Government has taken action against 392 officials over alleged procurement irregularities in municipal corporations, municipalities and other urban local bodies. Around 135 of them are chief municipal officers (CMOs). Seven officials have been dismissed from service in serious cases, Additional Chief Secretary for Urban Administration and Development Sanjay Dubey said. Dubey clarified that a viral video showing him discussing alleged procurement irregularities was an excerpt from a training session held on April 16-17. The Department conducts training every six months for municipal commissioners, CMOs, sub-engineers and other officials on work quality, technology and compliance with Government procedures.

 

Example of inflated costs In the video, Dubey explained how a waste collection vehicle costing Rs 2 lakh could cost Rs 6 lakh after four containers were added. He said the example was used to warn officials against practices that could be treated as irregularities, increase public expenditure or damage the Government’s image. Contractors and suppliers face action More than 80 contractors and suppliers have also faced action for allegedly providing materials through improper means or at rates inconsistent with prescribed prices. Dubey said Rs 3 crore to Rs 4 crore had been recovered from officials and employees involved in irregular payments. Department says action continues Dubey said penalties against officials included withholding salary increments, demotion and dismissal, depending on the seriousness of each case. He stressed that funds received or generated by urban local bodies belong to the public and must be spent for their intended purposes.