Court Order Exposes Corruption in Tender Process, More Scams to Surface: Jairam

Shimla, August 13, 2025 – Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has accused the Himachal Pradesh government of widespread corruption, claiming that any investigation into its functioning will reveal “systemic rot and high-level scams.”

Citing a recent case in the Jal Shakti Department, Thakur alleged that officials, under political patronage, deliberately avoided e-tendering by splitting projects into small parts to award contracts to favoured individuals. The Himachal Pradesh High Court, noting irregularities, ordered the removal of the concerned official and barred them from holding any crucial posting in the future.

“This is just the beginning,” Thakur said, warning that further probes into the government’s actions will unearth more scandals. He pointed to past irregularities in the Jal Shakti Department, including claims of water being supplied using scooters and motorcycles, and excavation works carried out by politically connected individuals.

Thakur also highlighted corruption in the state’s health sector, referencing a High Court directive to the Centre to examine the use of ₹521.68 crore under the National Health Mission (NHM). The court found the state government’s expenditure details “vague,” suggesting possible misuse of central funds meant for healthcare.