ACB Files Case Against Sisodia, Jain in Classroom Construction Scam

New Delhi: The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has registered a case against former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister Manish Sisodia, and former Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satyendar Jain, in connection with an alleged scam in the construction of classrooms at exorbitant costs during the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s tenure.

According to the ACB, a massive scam worth approximately Rs 2,000 crore has been unearthed in the construction of 12,748 classrooms and school buildings.

It has been alleged that semi-permanent structure (SPS) classrooms — with a lifespan of around 30 years — were constructed at costs comparable to reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structures, which have a 75-year lifespan. This, despite no evident financial advantage in opting for SPS.

The project was reportedly awarded to 34 contractors, many of whom are allegedly associated with the AAP.

Investigators claim that significant cost escalations and deviations were observed, and none of the projects were completed within the stipulated time. Consultants and architects were appointed without following due procedure, and escalated costs were facilitated through them.

The Chief Technical Examiner (CTE) of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) had flagged numerous irregularities in a report dated February 17, 2020. However, this report remained suppressed for nearly three years.  (IANS)

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