Haryana minister Anil Vij orders probe into suspected fraud in workers’ verification

Amid allegations of irregularities in the verification of workers' slips, Labour Minister Anil Vij has ordered a probe and recommended action against those found guilty.

Sources said Vij, following a recent meeting of the Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board, constituted a committee to scrutinise the verification process of work slips issued over a three-month period — from November 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025.

The committee’s report has revealed widespread irregularities in six districts — Hisar, Kaithal, Jind, Sirsa, Faridabad and Bhiwani. Investigators found that numerous slips had been issued in the names of fake workers, who were fraudulently availing benefits under various departmental schemes, resulting in financial losses to the state exchequer.

“The matter is serious. Directions have been issued to the competent authority to seek the opinion of the Advocate General for initiating criminal proceedings against the officials involved,” said a senior official familiar with the development.