The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Lucknow has taken significant action related to the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam in Uttar Pradesh. The probe body has temporarily attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs. 89.84 lakh under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
What Is The NRHM Scam?
The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched in 2005 to improve healthcare services in rural areas. However, large-scale misuse of funds allocated under this mission and corruption cases emerged in Uttar Pradesh, which is known as the NRHM scam. This scam involved the collusion of government officials, politicians, and contractors, leading to the embezzlement of crores of rupees.
According to the TOI report, the CBI has alleged large-scale irregularities in the implementation of various schemes under the mission. Allegations also pertain to the distribution of over Rs 5,000 crore to 72 Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) in the state, having been siphoned off.
What Led To Spotlight On The Scam
The scam came to light after two sensational murders. In October 2010, Vinod Arta, CMO with the state’s Family Welfare Department, was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants in broad daylight in Lucknow. Another CMO named B P Singh was killed in 2011, in a similar fashion in the city.
The police then arrested Deputy CMO Y S Sachan in connection with the murder of Singh. However, in 2011, Sachan was found dead in a Lucknow jail under mysterious circumstances. This incident led to a public outcry over alleged corruption in the NRHM, and the then-Mayawati government in the state referred the case to the CBI. A petition was then filed in the Allahabad High Court, and it referred the case for a wider probe by the CBI.
Impact Of Scam And Current Situation
The NRHM scam had a severe impact on healthcare services in Uttar Pradesh. Due to the scam, essential health services were disrupted, leading to a decline in the quality of healthcare facilities in rural areas. After the exposure of the scam, investigations were launched against several high-ranking officials and politicians, some of whom were arrested.
The ED’s action is an important step towards ensuring justice for those involved in the NRHM scam. It is hoped that such actions will curb corruption and ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach the rightful beneficiaries. This will help maintain the transparency and credibility of the country’s economic system.
A Look At The Action Taken By ED
During its investigation into the NRHM scam, the ED has attached assets worth Rs. 89.84 lakh, including both movable and immovable properties. This action was taken under the provisions of the PMLA, 2002, which aims to curb activities related to money laundering.
This is not the first time the ED has taken stringent steps in cases of money laundering and corruption in Uttar Pradesh. In recent years, the ED has confiscated properties and arrested accused individuals in several major cases. For example, in September 2024, the ED seized 21 immovable properties worth ₹8.24 crore belonging to former Samajwadi Party MLA Arif Anwar Hashmi. In July 2024, the ED temporarily attached ₹814 crore worth of assets of companies belonging to the Jhunjhunwala group.
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