Rs 116 crore fraud exposes risks of outsourcing in Chandigarh MC: AAP

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Chandigarh, has strongly condemned the alleged Rs 116 crore fraud involving staff of IDFC First Bank and the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, calling it a serious failure of administrative accountability.

AAP leaders said the incident highlighted the dangers of excessive outsourcing in the Municipal Corporation, where a large portion of the workforce was reportedly working on outsourced or contractual arrangements while several permanent posts remained vacant.

AAP Chandigarh unit president Vijay Pal Singh said the fraud exposed the risks of assigning sensitive financial responsibilities to outsourced staff without adequate institutional accountability.

He said the AAP Chandigarh unit had already raised concerns on this issue earlier and had submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Punjab and the Chief Secretary of the Chandigarh Administration, urging the government to address the growing dependence on outsourced manpower. He added that the party had also suggested in the Advisory Council that a clear policy should be framed regarding outsourced contractual work in the Municipal Corporation.

Vijay Pal Singh further stated that outsourced employees often worked at the whims and fancies of contractors, which affected their independence, accountability and commitment towards public duties, thereby increasing the risk of irregularities and financial fraud.

AAP’s Chandigarh treasurer JD Ghai said financial operations of the Municipal Corporation should be handled strictly by permanent and accountable government employees to safeguard public funds.

The party has demanded a time-bound investigation and strict action against all those responsible. He further stated that they would start an agitation to address the issue and ensure accountability in the system.