Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Probe Ordered Into Fake GPS Photos Under Employment Scheme
Officials are investigating claims that GPS photos were faked under a rural jobs program.
The photos are supposed to show workers doing jobs at real work sites.
Reports say some people recorded videos at empty or different sites instead.
They allegedly used another phone to take GPS photos while replaying those videos.
This may have allowed attendance to be falsely recorded.
It may also have led to improper claims of money.
Minister Eshwar B Khandre ordered an investigation in Koppal district.
Officials must report their findings within four days and suggest ways to stop this from happening again.
Minister Eshwar B Khandre ordered an inquiry into alleged attendance fraud in Koppal district.
Reports allege mates recorded work-site videos when workers were absent and used them to create fake GPS photographs.
The alleged fraud involved falsely marking attendance and claiming Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 daily.
A Joint Director-level officer must investigate and submit a report within four days.
Officials were asked to recommend action, consult experts and prevent further misuse of the technology.
- Who
- Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B Khandre ordered the inquiry; a Joint Director-level officer will conduct it.
- What
- An investigation was ordered into allegations that fake GPS photographs were used to falsely record workers’ attendance and claim funds.
- When
- The inquiry was ordered after media reports; the investigating officer must submit a report within four days.
- Where
- The allegations concern Koppal district; the minister’s direction was issued from Bengaluru.
- Why
- The inquiry aims to establish whether technology was misused to mark attendance for workers who had not worked and to claim money fraudulently.
- Inquiry authority
- A Joint Director-level officer will conduct the investigation.
- Reporting deadline
- The report is due within four days.
- Alleged daily claims
- Reports alleged fraudulent claims of Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 per day.
- Alleged method
- Videos were reportedly recorded at work sites and replayed while GPS photographs were taken using another mobile phone.
- Required technology
- Workers must take GPS photographs while working and upload them on the NMMS app.
- Investigation purpose
- Officials must submit facts, recommend action against those responsible if allegations are proven, and suggest safeguards.