Uttarakhand: Uniform scam in the Home Guard department: Uniforms worth 1 crore rupees were purchased for 3 crore rupees; an investigation has been launched
The Home Department has launched an investigation into a uniform procurement scam in the Home Guard department, following instructions from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. It is alleged that a senior officer misused his position and authority to purchase uniforms and other materials worth approximately one crore rupees for three crore rupees.
Allegations of purchasing uniforms worth 1 crore for 3 crores
Commandant General Home Guard PVK Prasad has taken a strict stance on the matter after a departmental inquiry. In his report to the government, he recommended the recovery of two crore rupees. Home Secretary Shailesh Bagoli stated that a letter was received about 15 days ago detailing financial irregularities. The letter clearly mentioned significant irregularities in the purchase of uniforms and other equipment. A team of officers has been formed at the government level to conduct an investigation.
How the scam was exposed
According to information, these irregularities occurred during the financial year 2024-25. When tenders were re-issued at the same rates in 2025-26, Commandant General PVK Prasad suspected significant discrepancies in the rates. The difference between the tender rates and market prices was so large that the tender was immediately cancelled.
The departmental inquiry also revealed that the officer, in collusion with the contractor, purchased the goods at prices approximately three times higher than the market value. Due to the nexus between the officers and the contractor, the bill for goods worth one crore rupees was inflated to three crore rupees.
Immediate halt on purchases after the scam was exposed
The investigation revealed that batons costing 130 rupees were purchased for 375 rupees, shoes costing 500 rupees were bought for 1500 rupees, trousers and shirts costing 1200 rupees were purchased for 3000 rupees, and jackets costing 500 rupees were bought for 1580 rupees. When quotations were obtained from the market, it became clear that almost every item was being purchased at three times its actual price. Following the revelation of the scam, the Commandant General has immediately suspended the purchase of uniforms and other supplies for the department. Currently, a team constituted at the government level is investigating the entire matter, and further action will be taken after the investigation is complete.
