The Madhya Pradesh Government is facing fresh controversy after the state’s Minister for Scheduled Castes Welfare, Nagar Singh Chauhan, publicly alleged corruption in the recruitment process for Anganwadi workers and assistants. In a video message that has since gone viral, the minister claimed that officials and middlemen are demanding bribes from applicants in exchange for securing appointments.
Chauhan, who represents the tribal-dominated Alirajpur district, stated, “I have received numerous complaints that applicants are being asked to pay money to get recruited. I want to make it absolutely clear — no one should pay even a rupee to anyone.” His remarks have sent shockwaves through the state administration and cast a shadow over the credibility of the recruitment process.
The allegations centre around the Woman and Child Development Department, which is led by Minister Nirmala Bhuria — who, notably, also hails from Alirajpur. The department recently advertised 504 vacancies for supervisor posts and 17,477 positions for Anganwadi assistants across the State.
Chauhan claimed that a well-organised network of brokers, in collusion with some departmental officials, is facilitating this corruption. The revelation has sparked demands for a full-scale inquiry and raised concerns about systemic irregularities.
The opposition Congress party wasted no time in seizing the opportunity to attack the ruling BJP. Madhya Pradesh Congress spokesperson Anand Jat remarked, “It is deeply troubling that a sitting minister is confirming corruption within his own government. This revelation warrants an immediate statewide investigation. If it’s happening in one district, who’s to say it isn’t happening everywhere?”
Jat added, “The minister’s statement is an indictment of the government itself—it shows how deeply rooted corruption has become under BJP rule. The government must act decisively and bring those responsible to justice.”
The minister had previously also expressed dissatisfaction over being excluded from key decisions related to tribal welfare and had even visited Delhi in protest. His latest outburst has once again put the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led Government on the defensive, raising serious questions about transparency, accountability. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister’s Office is yet to issue an official response to the allegations. Political observers note that the government now faces mounting pressure — to probe the matter thoroughly.