During their time in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, 12,748 classrooms and school buildings were purportedly constructed at exorbitant expenses as part of the scam.
Jain is scheduled to appear on June 6 and Sisodia, who was the education minister at the time, has been called on June 9.
Massive Cost Escalation and Irregularities in Delhi School Project: FIR Details Emerge
The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has filed a First Information Report (FIR) highlighting serious deviations and cost escalations in a major construction project initiated during the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s tenure in Delhi. The project, aimed at building school infrastructure, is now under scrutiny for alleged corruption and procedural violations.
Key Allegations in the FIR
The FIR notes that not a single work order was completed within the stipulated time, raising questions about mismanagement and delays. It also highlights that consultants were appointed without adhering to proper selection procedures, indicating procedural lapses.
One of the most striking revelations is the inflation of construction cost per classroom, which allegedly reached ₹24.86 lakh per unit—almost five times the standard rate of ₹5 lakh. This drastic surge in costs forms the crux of the FIR’s corruption allegations.
Suspicious Use of Funds and Contractor Allocation
The FIR further reveals that the school structures were semi-permanent in nature (with a life expectancy of about 30 years), yet costs were billed equivalent to reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structures, which typically last over 75 years. This discrepancy raises serious concerns about financial misrepresentation.
Adding to the controversy, the project’s overall cost was increased by ₹326 crore without issuing fresh tenders. The contract was allegedly awarded to 34 different contractors, most of whom were reportedly associated with the AAP. This has intensified accusations of favoritism and lack of transparency.
Origin of the Investigation
The case gained momentum after the Delhi government’s vigilance directorate recommended an investigation in 2022. This recommendation was based on a report by the Central Vigilance Commission’s (CVC) Chief Technical Examiner, who found major anomalies in the construction work.
Earlier, in 2019, prominent BJP leaders Kapil Mishra, Harish Khurana, and Neelkant Bakshi had filed a complaint, alleging financial misappropriation in the project.
Legal Troubles of AAP Leaders
The latest allegations come at a time when AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain are already facing separate legal cases. Sisodia was arrested in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, while Jain was booked under charges of money laundering.
The Aam Aadmi Party has strongly denied all allegations, calling them politically motivated attacks orchestrated by the BJP to discredit its leadership. Currently, both Sisodia and Jain are out on bail.