A serious rift has erupted within Rajasthan’s bureaucratic circles, following a revelation that a ₹343 crore medical procurement tender was issued without proper governmental approval. What began as an administrative procedure has now transformed into a full-blown controversy involving senior IAS and RAS officers, internal accusations, and the launch of a formal investigation.
The controversy traces back to IAS officer Neha Giri, who recently issued a charge sheet to senior RAS officer Vibhu Kaushik, demanding explanations on six key points. While this act in itself raised eyebrows, what followed added fuel to the fire—new allegations emerged that Giri herself may have been involved in a procedural violation concerning a multi-crore tender.
At the center of the storm is the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL), which reportedly issued the ₹343 crore tender and accompanying work orders for procurement and maintenance of medical equipment across state-run hospitals—all without securing prior government approval or budgetary clearance.
According to insiders, this significant financial decision was executed without the necessary permissions, which not only bypassed required government processes but also potentially breached fiscal accountability norms. What further shocked observers was that an estimated ₹168 crore was sanctioned for repair and maintenance, yet the actual tender amount was far higher.
In response, Principal Secretary Gayatri Rathore has formed a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the procedural lapses. The committee will function under her leadership and include members from the finance department and directors from associated health and procurement agencies. Among those being asked to explain are IAS officer Neha Giri, the Managing Director of RMSCL, and Directors of Medical Education and Health.
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The investigation seeks to clarify how files moved without approvals, who authorized the tender, and how the tender process reached completion without meeting official protocols. All involved officers have been directed to present documentation and explanations to the committee.
This case, now dubbed as a high-profile IAS-RAS standoff, marks an unusual turn in state bureaucracy, where a civil servant prosecuting another finds herself entangled in a more complex controversy. The incident has not only exposed potential weaknesses in administrative checks but also highlighted deepening tensions within state service hierarchies.