DJB consultant was ‘active’ despite removal: Vigilance refers matter to Anti-Corruption Branch, govt says witch-hunt

In July last year, L-G V K Saxena had directed that the services of around 400 private persons appointed as fellows, consultants and advisors by the Delhi government be terminated, on the grounds that the provisions of reservation were not followed or that they did not meet the eligibility criteria.

In his communication to the ACB, the Special Secretary (Vigilance) referred to the response sought and received from the Vigilance Department of the DJB which said that Srivastava continued to “actively participate as a member” of the WhatsApp group till October 5, 2023, when he left it.

“It is established from the vigilance report of DJB that Srivastava is giving instructions and participating actively to the extent of even bulldozing the Chief Engineer… Such kind of activities… amounts to nothing but compromising with safety, security, and integrity of the DJB. Several matters are being investigated by CBI and ED with reference to DJB,” the communication from the Directorate of Vigilance to the ACB read.

While Srivastava refused to comment on the matter, the AAP government has said that the Centre is “witch-hunting these professionals for political reasons” and the “ultimate aim is to paralyse governance in Delhi.”

“The Vigilance Department under BJP-ruled Central government is witch-hunting every consultant or advisor or domain expert who has worked with the elected government of Delhi. All secretaries, OSDs, advisors, consultants, are being constantly hounded to force them to stop working for the welfare of the people. Being a transparent government, the Delhi government had started multiple policies to attract young professionals and experienced domain experts to work with the government,” the government response stated.