The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has issued summons to former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and former Health Minister Satyendar Jain in connection with alleged irregularities in the construction of government school buildings in the national capital. The ACB has taken this step following the registration of an FIR on May 30 under multiple sections related to corruption and misuse of public funds.
Massive Cost Escalation and Project Irregularities Under Investigation
As per the FIR, a detailed investigation was launched after irregularities were reported in the Public Works Department’s (PWD) handling of school construction projects. According to the ACB’s findings, the sanctioned cost for the project was ₹5,000 crore, but expenses shot up to over ₹12,700 crore, allegedly without due approvals and despite existing audits highlighting anomalies.
Officials reportedly bypassed tender norms, awarded inflated contracts, and manipulated construction data. The project included the construction of 12,748 classrooms, out of which many were allegedly unnecessary or overpriced.
Multiple Departments and High-Level Officers Under the Scanner
The FIR names several senior officers from the education and PWD departments for their role in allegedly approving excess construction, engaging in collusive tendering, and violating procurement procedures. It is alleged that classroom construction was done at nearly double the estimated cost, incurring a loss of over ₹2,000 crore to the public exchequer.
The case pertains to the period when both Sisodia and Jain held influential positions in the Delhi government, and were in charge of departments directly overseeing the project.
Next Steps: ACB to Record Statements, Examine Financial Trail
The ACB has called both former ministers to record their statements regarding their roles in decision-making and fund allocation. Investigators are expected to scrutinize files, meeting records, and budget approvals under their leadership.
