By – Prakarsh Kastwar
New Delhi, June 18 – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday launched a massive crackdown in the alleged Delhi Classroom Construction Scam, conducting raids at 37 locations associated with contractors and private entities. The action was initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following a criminal case registered based on a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB).
According to sources, the case relates to alleged irregularities worth over ₹2,000 crore in the construction of over 12,000 classrooms or semi-permanent structures during the previous tenure of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
ED Targets Links to Former Ministers
The ED’s FIR, filed on April 30, named senior AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister Manish Sisodia and former Health and PWD Minister Satyendar Jain, as key accused in the scam. The investigation is based on allegations that large-scale financial irregularities were committed in awarding and executing construction contracts for classrooms in government schools across the city.
The agency is probing money laundering angles and alleged misuse of funds by contractors who received inflated payments without proper tendering processes.
2400 Classrooms, But at What Cost?
Under the education reforms spearheaded by Manish Sisodia, the Delhi government had approved the construction of over 2,400 classrooms in 193 schools, assigning the responsibility to the Public Works Department (PWD). However, a Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) report dated February 17, 2020, exposed severe violations and irregularities in the process.
Among the key findings:
- The construction cost was increased by ₹500 crore without issuing any tenders.
- The cost of construction was escalated by up to 90%, reportedly for ‘better facilities’, but the quality of construction remained substandard.
- Serious violations of norms, including General Financial Rules (GFR) and CPWD Works Manual, were recorded.
1214 Toilets Passed Off as Classrooms
One of the most shocking revelations was that 1,214 toilets were constructed under the guise of classrooms. Originally, only 160 toilets were sanctioned, but the number was increased significantly, incurring an additional ₹37 crore.
The report noted that instead of the planned 12,000 classrooms, only 4,027 classrooms were built across 141 schools. The rest were either missing, incomplete, or rebranded facilities like toilets.
A Delayed Investigation
Despite the CVC flagging the irregularities in early 2020, the AAP government allegedly failed to act on the findings for nearly two and a half years. The report was not submitted to the Vigilance Directorate, and no internal action was taken. It was only after Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) intervened in August 2022, directing the Chief Secretary to probe the delay and submit a comprehensive report, that the issue gained momentum.
Following the LG’s intervention, the case was picked up by the Anti-Corruption Branch and subsequently by the ED.
Political Fallout Expected
With senior AAP leaders under scrutiny and ED tightening its grip, the case is expected to have significant political ramifications. The party, already battling allegations in the Delhi liquor policy case, may now face intensified pressure and questions over its much-lauded education model.
As of now, the ED continues its searches across Delhi and nearby regions, gathering documents and digital evidence related to the scam. Statements from contractors, PWD officials, and government employees are likely to be recorded in the coming days.