Still to recover from the mega mining scam, Udaipur zone has got caught into another irregularity from the mining department. The then, additional director of the Udaipur division, Ashok Kumar Vaishya has been found to have taken additional arrears of Rs 6L from the department. With this disclosure, the department has yet again been caught on the wrong footing.

Now retired, Vaishya, via letter dated 9 July 2014, said that he took the additional charge of additional director geology from 30 Aug 2003 till 31 May 2012.  The position of additional director geology was vacant and he took charge of the position basis the order released by the department. He, hence, requested to be paid the benefits for the period. The department processed his file and he was paid the amount.

After receiving the payment, Vaishya again submitted a request in the Goverdhan Vilas situated zonal office and requested for arrears. The clerical staff there, Bahadur Singh, processed the file and got it vetted from senior officials. This request was sent to accounts for scrutiny. The accounts department cut the tax at rate of 30% and recommended payment of Rs 11 Lakh. The zone then paid him Rs 11 Lakh, of which Rs 6 Lakh is additional amount that should not have been paid to Vaishya.

With the incident coming to light, Jaipur based secretariat has issued a notice demanding clarification from the zonal office. The entire zonal department has been caught on the wrong foot and is now looking for explanations.