States » NorthPosted at: Jun 26 2025 12:27AM


J&K Govt terminates PHE Employee, orders recovery of Rs 1.88 Cr in Handwara PHE scam

Srinagar, June 25 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir government today terminated a Public Health Engineering (PHE) employee and ordered the recovery of over Rs 1.88 crore from multiple officials, both serving and retired, for their involvement in a multi-crore scam in Handwara.

The Jal Shakti Department dismissed Manzoor Ahmad Hajam, then Junior Assistant, with immediate effect under Article 311(2) of the Constitution of India. The action comes nearly a decade after a multi-agency probe was launched into large-scale irregularities that surfaced in the PHE Division Handwara in 2014.

The departmental proceedings were initiated following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in 2014, which led to an FIR being registered by the Crime Branch. Investigation revealed gross procedural violations and unauthorised financial transactions under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP), spanning several years.

Following the conclusion of the inquiry, the government established Hajam’s role in the scam and ordered his immediate dismissal.

“Dismissal of Shri Manzoor Ahmad Hajam of Bunhama Kupwara, the then Junior Assistant, PHE Division Handwara presently posted in the PHE (Mechanical) North, Sopore, from the Government service with immediate effect in terms of Article-311(2) of the Constitution of India.
"He shall also stand disqualified from any future employment with the government. In addition, recovery of loss to the government amounting to Rs. 18,86,900/- (percentage recovery 10%) is also imposed upon Sh. Manzoor Ahmad Hajam,” the government order stated.

In addition to Hajam’s dismissal, the government has directed the recovery of Rs 1,88,69,048 from several officials who were found responsible for fraudulent withdrawals and misappropriation of government funds.

“The recoveries will be effected in accordance with the applicable service and financial rules,” the order read.

Furthermore, the case of Assistant Accounts Officers belonging to the Finance Department has been referred to the department concerned for disciplinary action, including recovery of the embezzled amount.

While the departmental action by the Jal Shakti Department stands concluded, criminal proceedings under FIR No. 91/2014 are still ongoing before the competent court. UNI MJR SSP
Tags: #J&K Govt terminates PHE Employee# orders recovery of Rs 1.88 Cr in Handwara PHE scam
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