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Delhi Government Issues Show Cause Notice to Health Minister’s OSD Over Alleged Procurement Irregularities

The Vigilance Directorate of the Delhi government has taken action against RN Das, the OSD to the health minister, regarding purported irregularities in the procurement of essential items during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Das, who served under both former health ministers Satyendar Jain and Saurabh Bharadwaj, has been issued a show cause notice in this regard.

The notice alleges discrepancies in the procurement of personal protective equipment kits, gloves, masks, and rapid antigen test (RAT) kits amounting to approximately ₹60 crore. It accuses Das of involvement in a “conspiracy” to misuse public funds and favor certain companies during the procurement process.

According to official sources, Das assumed the role of OSD to the health minister on March 14, 2023, and was not in this position during Jain’s tenure. The notice suggests that Das, in his capacity as the chair of various procurement committees, exhibited favoritism towards certain companies, leading to inflated prices and irregularities in the procurement process.

The Delhi government, however, has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as “laughable” and “desperate.” They argue that Das was not recommended by either minister during his tenure and that the allegations are baseless. Furthermore, they accuse the Lieutenant Governor’s office of orchestrating a witch hunt against officers working in the ministers’ offices, as part of a larger agenda to undermine the elected government’s authority.

Das has been instructed to submit his explanation within seven days, failing which further action will be taken as per existing rules. The government asserts that such actions by the LG’s office are indicative of a larger conspiracy against the elected representatives and the people of Delhi.

As the investigation unfolds, the matter remains contentious, highlighting the ongoing power struggle between the Delhi government and the LG’s office, with implications for governance and accountability in the capital.