A fraud involving fake work slips in Haryana is under investigation by a committee constituted by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, with Labour Minister Anil Vij estimating losses of over Rs 1,500 crore. Reports compiled by Deputy Commissioners indicate that in several districts, more than 97 per cent of work slips were found to be invalid or fabricated.
Widespread Fraudulent Registrations Uncovered
Preliminary findings suggest a large network of fraudulent registrations, where fake workers were enrolled using fabricated or manipulated records. Work slips were issued without actual employment verification, enabling ineligible individuals to access benefits averaging Rs 2.5 lakh per worker.
The work slips serve as proof of 90 days of employment and are required for workers to avail government welfare schemes such as pensions, education assistance, medical aid, and housing benefits. Authorities said the misuse of these slips indicates that a significant number of ineligible beneficiaries may have fraudulently claimed support.
Officials reported that out of 21,78,523 work slips examined, only 2,70,945 were found valid, while 19,07,578, or 87.6 per cent, were identified as fake. The probe also revealed that only about 12 per cent of the slips were genuine, pointing to what officials described as a systemic collapse.
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Investigation Expands as Scale of Losses Emerges
Labour Minister Anil Vij said the financial implications of the fraud could reach Rs 1,500 crore for the past two years alone and may rise further if older records are examined. While the current investigation covers the last two years, records dating back to 2008 are also likely to be scrutinised.
District level committees led by Deputy Commissioners have conducted investigations across all 22 districts, relying on physical verification to confirm findings. A high level committee is reviewing the reports and is expected to recommend further action, including penalties for officials and intermediaries found involved in facilitating the fraud.
Authorities said strict action will be taken against those responsible, and the scope of the probe may widen if similar irregularities are identified in earlier records.
Corrective Measures and Verification Process Initiated
The government plans to open a portal to reactivate the IDs of workers whose work slips are verified as genuine. Workers with invalid slips will be given an opportunity to present their cases before designated committees.
Officials said the system, designed to support construction workers through benefits such as maternity and paternity assistance, education support, pensions, and medical aid, has been severely compromised. The presence of a large number of fake beneficiaries may have deprived genuine workers of timely assistance.
The high level committee is expected to guide further corrective measures as authorities continue to assess the extent of the irregularities and strengthen verification mechanisms.
