A startling salary scam has emerged in Madhya Pradesh, where salaries of 50,000 government employees—around nine percent of the state’s workforce—have not been processed since December 2024. Official documents revealing these employees exist on paper with valid identity codes, yet their payments remain pending for over six months. The anomaly was flagged during a routine data audit by the state treasury, prompting an urgent verification drive across government departments to confirm the authenticity of these employee records and prevent potential financial irregularities.

The Commissioner of Treasury and Accounts (CTA) issued a letter on May 23 instructing over 6,000 Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) to investigate the matter within 15 days. The letter highlighted incomplete verification of these employees in the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMIS) and unresolved exit processes. Officials suspect a possible Rs 230 crore fraud, raising questions about ghost employees or unauthorized postings within the system. While some employees might be on leave or suspended, failure to receive salary for half a year without official exit raises serious red flags. The treasury department is now demanding certifications from all offices that no unauthorized personnel remain on payroll.

Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister Jagdish Devda avoided a clear explanation, stating all processes follow rules but offering no detailed response on the unprocessed salaries. With 40,000 regular and 10,000 temporary staff implicated, concerns grow over the true status of these employees and the whereabouts of the unpaid funds. As the inquiry unfolds, the investigation aims to uncover potential ghost employees and financial misuse, ensuring accountability and safeguarding public resources.