Lucknow – In a decisive move reaffirming the Uttar Pradesh government’s “Zero Tolerance for Corruption” policy, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s administration has taken stern action against seven officials of the Social Welfare Department found guilty of serious financial irregularities.
Following a comprehensive investigation supervised by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Social Welfare, Asim Arun, the department has dismissed four serving officers and ordered permanent pension cuts for three retired officials. The minister has also directed that FIRs be registered and recovery proceedings initiated against all those responsible.
Long-Pending Corruption Cases Resolved
Several of these cases date back over a decade and were pending disciplinary action. The recent crackdown is part of a wider internal review that identified misuse of government funds, fraudulent disbursals, and violations of procedural norms in welfare schemes.
Four Officers Dismissed from Service
1. Meena Srivastava — Former District Social Welfare Officer, Shravasti
Between 2008 and 2012, Srivastava allegedly committed serious irregularities in the Mukhyamantri Mahamaya Garib Arthik Madad Yojana and Shadi-Bimari Yojana. She authorized unauthorized data entries and manipulated beneficiary accounts, resulting in embezzlement of large sums of public money. Scholarship scheme irregularities were also detected.
2. Karunesh Tripathi — Former District Social Welfare Officer, Mathura
Tripathi approved ₹2.53 crore in scholarship funds to 11 unrecognized ITI institutes, issuing payments even to fake beneficiaries, some aged between 2 and 51 years. A recovery of ₹19.25 crore has been ordered against him.
3. Sanjay Kumar Byas — Former District Social Welfare Officer, Hapur
Byas violated financial protocols by transferring ₹2.74 crore directly to institutions instead of students during FY 2012–13. Investigations confirmed document forgery and misuse of authority. He has been dismissed from service and ordered to repay ₹3.23 crore.
4. Rajesh Kumar — Former District Social Welfare Officer, Shahjahanpur
Kumar was found guilty of large-scale fraud in the National Old Age Pension Scheme, where ineligible individuals were granted pensions. His dismissal and recovery of ₹2.52 crore have been approved.
Pension Cuts for Three Retired Officers
1. Shribhagwan — Retired District Social Welfare Officer, Auraiya
Between 2018 and 2020, he altered account details of 251 beneficiaries, diverting government funds worth ₹33.47 lakh. A 10% permanent pension cut and recovery of ₹20 lakh have been ordered.
2. Vinod Shankar Tiwari — Retired District Social Welfare Officer, Mathura
Tiwari sanctioned ₹2.53 crore to unrecognized institutes and issued ₹9.69 crore to 5,133 students without examinations. The government has imposed a 50% pension cut and ordered the recovery of ₹1.96 crore.
3. Uma Shankar Sharma — Retired District Social Welfare Officer, Mathura
Sharma released ₹88.94 lakh to ITI institutions based on fake admissions. A 50% permanent pension reduction and recovery of ₹88.94 lakh have been sanctioned.
Minister Asim Arun Issues Stern Warning
Commenting on the disciplinary action, Minister Asim Arun stated:
“Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, corruption will not be tolerated in any form.
All pending cases will be reviewed, and FIRs will be filed against those found guilty.”
A Clear Message: Accountability Above All
The latest crackdown underscores the Yogi government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. Officials believe this will not only expedite the resolution of long-pending corruption cases but also serve as a strong deterrent to others in the administrative machinery.
“Zero Tolerance for Corruption is no longer a slogan — it is state policy.”
