The Uttarakhand Home Department has initiated an investigation into an alleged uniform procurement scam in the Home Guards department following directions from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The case involves accusations of large-scale financial irregularities in the purchase of uniforms and related items.
The allegations are against Deputy Commandant General Amitabh Srivastava, who is accused of misusing his official powers to purchase uniforms and equipment worth around ₹1 crore at an inflated cost of nearly ₹3 crore. The irregularities are said to have occurred during the financial year 2024–25.
After conducting a departmental inquiry, Commandant General of Home Guards P V K Prasad wrote to the state government recommending the dismissal of Amitabh Srivastava from service and recovery of ₹2 crore from him. The matter was formally taken up at the government level after the Home Department received this report.
Home Secretary Shailesh Bansal stated that the Commandant General’s letter was received around 15 days ago. Based on the findings, a team of senior government officials has been constituted to conduct a detailed probe. The letter alleged that financial misconduct was carried out by abusing official authority in uniform procurement for personnel.
According to departmental findings, when tenders were issued again in the financial year 2025–26 at similar rates, the disparity in pricing came to light. This prompted Commandant General P V K Prasad to cancel the tender and flag the matter. A report recommending criminal action, financial recovery, and dismissal was then forwarded to the government.
The inquiry revealed that items were allegedly purchased at nearly three times the market rate. A baton priced at around ₹130 was procured for ₹375, shoes costing ₹500 were purchased for ₹1,500, pant-shirt sets valued at ₹1,200 were bought for ₹3,000, and jackets worth ₹500 were purchased for ₹1,580.
Officials said quotations collected from the open market confirmed the pricing mismatch, indicating possible collusion between the officer concerned and the contractor. Following the exposure of the alleged scam, the Commandant General has imposed a temporary halt on uniform procurement within the department.
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While the investigation is ongoing, the case has raised questions over internal financial controls and tender oversight mechanisms in the Home Guards department. Further action is expected after the completion of the government-level inquiry.
