The Delhi government’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has registered a case of corruption against three firms providing security services as well as unnamed government and private officials, in connection with alleged malpractices in hiring security guards in Delhi government hospitals, said officials.
Joint Commissioner of Police (ACB) Madhur Verma said the investigating agency filed an FIR after receiving several complaints regarding various “malpractices” and “embezzlement” of government funds by private manpower/security provider companies in connivance with government officials in providing security personnel in different hospitals.
“During verification, it was revealed that these private players, hand-in-glove with government officials, are actively involved in various malpractices and violations of tender conditions as well as laid down procedures in providing security personnel at different Delhi government hospitals,” said Verma.
Officials said the agencies allegedly violated tender norms by recruiting unqualified security personnel without verification of criminal antecedents. In some cases, they allegedly got payment from the hospitals without actually deploying the agreed number of security guards in the award of tender, they added.
“There are also allegations that one person was deployed in more than one hospital and the agencies claimed bills from more than one hospital and demanded bribes from security personnel for fresh recruitment…,” said officials, adding that hundreds of contractual employees were deployed by these companies in different Delhi government hospitals.
A comprehensive investigation has been launched to unearth the alleged conspiracy and fix the role and culpability of government officials and private individuals involved in the matter, said officials.
The Delhi government in a response said, “Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj had highlighted the corruption in hiring contractual manpower soon after he took charge as minister. Just a few days ago, Minister Bharadwaj sent a detailed note to the Secretary, Health, and again directed to stop the practice of hiring manpower through private contractors and start hiring manpower through PSUs under state and central government…”
Officials said on July 19, Bharadwaj in a note said, “Despite repeated directions on file, things have not changed on the ground. Strict punishment should be given to those responsible for continuing this corrupt practice. A thorough inquiry should find out why officials had shut their eyes despite repeated reminders by the Health Minister.”
