Did the Jal Mission Scam Involve Ex-Rajasthan Minister Mahesh Joshi?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, the Enforcement Directorate has provisionally seized assets worth Rs 47.80 crore from former Rajasthan minister Mahesh Joshi and his aides in connection with the Rs 1,000-crore Jal Jeevan Mission scam. This scandal raises serious questions about corruption within the public sector and the integrity of government projects.
Key Takeaways
- The Enforcement Directorate has seized assets worth Rs 47.80 crore from Mahesh Joshi and his aides.
- The scam is linked to the Jal Jeevan Mission aimed at providing tap water to every household.
- Mahesh Joshi was the minister responsible for the Public Health Engineering Department during the alleged scam.
- The case highlights issues of corruption and accountability in government projects.
- The investigation is ongoing, and further legal actions are expected.
New Delhi, June 13 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached assets valued at Rs 47.80 crore belonging to Congress leader and former Rajasthan minister Mahesh Joshi and his associates in Jaipur, linked to the Rs 1,000-crore Jal Jeevan Mission scam, as stated by an official on Friday.
The ED's Jaipur Zonal Office took action on June 11, provisionally attaching various movable and immovable properties, including agricultural land, residential flats, and homes belonging to Mahesh Joshi, Padamchand Jain, Mahesh Mittal, Sanjay Badaya, and Vishal Saxena, along with their family members and affiliated firms.
These properties, located across different areas in Jaipur, were seized under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, according to the ED.
This scam dates back to the time when Ashok Gehlot was leading the Congress government in Rajasthan.
The money laundering case is associated with a corruption investigation initiated by the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) against Joshi and 22 others.
At the time of the alleged scam, Joshi was responsible for the Public Health Engineering Department in Rajasthan.
In April, the ED arrested Joshi following an extensive questioning session. He had previously evaded multiple summons, citing personal reasons.
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam involves fraudulent activities related to the Central government’s initiative aimed at providing tap water to every household.
In 2021, contractors Padmachand Jain and Mahesh Mittal from Shri Shyam Tubewell Company and Shri Ganapati Tubewell Company won tenders worth crores from the Public Health Engineering Department by using forged experience certificates.
Reports suggest that Shri Ganapati Tubewell Company participated in 68 tenders, winning 31 contracts valued at Rs 859.2 crore using fake documents.
Similarly, Shri Shyam Tubewell Company engaged in 169 tenders, securing Rs 120.25 crore by winning 73.
Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated a case related to this scam on May 3, 2024, and the following day, the ED provided crucial evidence and documents to the ACB for further proceedings.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the gravity of the allegations against Mahesh Joshi and others involved in the Jal Jeevan Mission scam. This situation underscores the need for transparency and accountability in government operations. The public deserves clarity and justice to maintain faith in their institutions.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jal Jeevan Mission scam?
The Jal Jeevan Mission scam involves fraudulent activities related to the tendering process for providing tap water to every household under a central government initiative.
Who is Mahesh Joshi?
Mahesh Joshi is a former Rajasthan minister and Congress leader who was in charge of the Public Health Engineering Department during the time of the alleged scam.
What action has the Enforcement Directorate taken?
The ED has provisionally attached assets worth Rs 47.80 crore belonging to Mahesh Joshi and his associates in connection with the scam.
What are the implications of this scam?
The implications include potential loss of public trust in government initiatives and calls for greater accountability and transparency in public procurement processes.
When was Mahesh Joshi arrested?
Mahesh Joshi was arrested by the ED in April following a prolonged questioning session regarding the scam.
