"Pose serious threat to Delhi Jal Board": Vigilance Dept on participation of ex-consultant in decision making

In the letter, the Vigilance Department said that "such kinds of activities" by a private person, even his discontinuation of services, "pose a serious threat" and amount to compromising the safety, security and integrity of the Delhi Jal Board.

The Delhi government's Directorate of Vigilance has written to the Anti-Corruption Branch regarding the case of a former Delhi Jal Board consultant who continued to "actively participate" in important water board decisions despite having his services terminated last year in July. In the letter, the Vigilance Department said that "such kinds of activities" by a private person, even his discontinuation of services, "pose a serious threat" and amount to compromising the safety, security and integrity of the Delhi Jal Board.

The letter reads that, "As per the directions of the Lt Governor, Delhi, the case is hereby referred to the ACB to examine the matter holistically about Ankit Srivastava and his role in influencing the decision of the Delhi Jal Board and take necessary action." "Ankit Srivastava, even after he left and disengaged from Delhi Jal Board, continued to be on the high-profile Profile Administrative WhatsApp group, namely 'Minister (Water) Group,' where important policy decisions are taken," read the letter.

As per the letter, "It is established from the vigilance report of the Delhi Jal Board that Ankit Srivastava is giving instructions and participating actively, to the extent of even bulldozing the Chief Engineer and making them fall in line." "Such kind of activities by a private person, even after he was removed, poses a serious threat and amounts to nothing but compromising the safety, security and integrity of the Delhi Jal Board. Several matters are being investigated by the CBI and ED with reference to the Delhi Jal Board," said the letter.

In July 2023, LG VK Saxena directed that the services of around 400 private persons appointed as fellows, consultants and advisors by the Delhi government be terminated on the grounds that the provisions of reservation were not followed while making such appointments or that they did not meet the eligibility criteria for such posts. In a communication to the Secretary to the Water Minister, the DJB's Chief Vigilance Officer wrote that the contractual services of Srivastava as a consultant (hydraulics and water bodies) were discontinued through an order from July 2023 and that Srivastava "has no locus standi to work with DJB and his participation in official meetings and DJB WhatsApp groups is neither desirable nor required."

It added that Ankit Srivastava be advised to opt out of the WhatsApp groups related to the DJB, including 'Minister (Water) Group,' and not to participate in any official meeting or consultation concerning DJB. (ANI)

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