Rajasthan Government Halts Benefits to Goyal Fashions Amid Corruption Probe
Rajasthans government suspends benefits to Goyal Fashions as part of a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, following allegations against an IAS officer.
Jaipur, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : The Rajasthan government is taking a firm stance against corruption, as Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma reiterated the administration’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy. He emphasized that there will be no compromise on transparency, accountability, and financial discipline within government schemes and investment incentive programs.
In a recent move, the state’s industry and commerce department has temporarily suspended the special package approved for Goyal Fashions Private Limited under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme. This decision follows the Chief Minister’s intervention and is aimed at ensuring due diligence in light of ongoing allegations.
The government clarified that Goyal Fashions will not receive any benefits or concessions until the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) completes its preliminary investigation. The commissioner of industry and commerce has issued the necessary orders to enforce this suspension.
This action comes amidst serious allegations against senior IAS officer Shikhar Agarwal, who previously served as the additional chief secretary of the industry department. Goyal Fashions operates resorts under the Ananta brand, and the ACB has been authorized to conduct a detailed investigation into claims that Agarwal misused his position to grant undue advantages to the company in exchange for personal and familial benefits.
Specific accusations include providing special concessions to the company, relaxing resort construction regulations, and approving permits without proper verification of required certificates. The ACB is also scrutinizing property transactions linked to Agarwal and his family.
Preliminary investigations suggest that several villas and cottages at the Ananta Resorts in Udaipur and Alwar were purchased at prices below market value. Investigative agencies are examining financial transactions related to these property deals, their registration timelines, and potential links to government concessions.
The government has granted permission for further investigation under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Chief Minister Sharma’s administration has made it clear that there will be no compromise on transparency and integrity in the name of industrial development and investment promotion.
The decision to suspend benefits to Goyal Fashions signals the government’s seriousness about safeguarding public resources and adhering to the regulations governing the distribution of government incentives.
