Delhi L-G approves action against former PWD engineer over irregularities in construction of classrooms

This decision follows alleged irregularities identified in the implementation of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, a Centre-sponsored initiative aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure in Delhi, which was allocated Rs 38.37 crore for the construction of 226 classrooms across various schools, said officials.

“The situation escalated when a public interest litigation titled Social Jurist, a Civil Rights Group, v/s GNCTD and Ors. was filed in the Delhi High Court on June 11, 2019, seeking a directive for the government to hand over possession of six newly constructed school buildings…,” an official said.

After the PIL was filed, officials said, the then Chief Secretary probed the matter, during which significant “irregularities in construction practices and fund management” were uncovered.

A committee was also constituted last year in March to examine the matter. “The committee’s findings, reported last May, revealed several lapses on the part of the PWD, including the diversion of funds intended for the construction of 20 classrooms at Trinagar School to Rani Bagh School and the construction of a multi-purpose hall without obtaining the necessary approvals. Furthermore, the PWD failed to promptly address site issues, making decisions that lacked proper authority and oversight,” said officials.

Officials also claimed that former Delhi education minister and AAP leader Manish Sisodia was also found to be at fault, as he allegedly did not conduct a comprehensive feasibility analysis regarding the physical infrastructure and space availability in the schools.

“This oversight led to confusion during the implementation phase. Additionally, the Education Department was also found to have not provided land free from encumbrances for construction, which led to double funding of the same project,” said an official.

“The misconduct in question dates back to 2019, but the case against another officer is considered time-barred due to his retirement from government service. The DOV’s proposal has received endorsement from both the Principal Secretary (Vigilance) and the Chief Secretary,” the official added.

In response, the AAP in a statement said, “Three months have passed, and the BJP hasn’t delivered on a single promise made to the people of Delhi — no ₹2,500 for women, no cylinders on Holi, nothing. Instead, Delhiites are grappling with power cuts, water shortages, skyrocketing private school fees, and zero governance.”

“Rather than doing their job, the BJP is obsessed with hurling abuses at AAP leaders — as if running a smear campaign for five years is their only plan. But the people of Delhi are not fools. They are suffering, they are angry, and they are watching. It’s time the BJP stopped the theatrics and started governing,” it added.