NATIONAL: AAP Leaders Under Scanner: Rs. 2,000 Crore Classroom Scam
ACB Summons Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain
In a major development, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has issued summons to senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in connection with a high-value corruption case. The case pertains to irregularities in the construction of classrooms and school buildings across Delhi.
According to the summons, Satyendar Jain must appear before the bureau on June 6, while Manish Sisodia has been called on June 9.
Scope of the Allegations
The scam revolves around the construction of 12,748 classrooms undertaken during the AAP government’s tenure. At the time, Sisodia served as Education Minister and Jain as the PWD Minister.
Allegations suggest widespread financial mismanagement, contract manipulation, and undue favoritism. Investigators claim that 34 contractors were involved in the project, many allegedly having direct associations with AAP leadership.
Central Vigilance Commission Report Flags Irregularities
A detailed review by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) highlighted multiple procedural lapses and cost escalations in the project. Key findings include:
- Project Cost Overrun: The estimated budget ballooned by over Rs. 326 crore due to non-compliance with tendering norms.
- Lack of Competitive Bidding: No fresh tenders were floated for additional work, violating financial protocols.
- Consultant Mismanagement: Architects and consultants were reportedly hired without transparent selection procedures.
- Exorbitant Unit Cost: Despite being designed for 30-year durability, the cost per classroom was far above standard benchmarks.
Legal and Political Implications
The case is expected to have significant political ramifications. Legal experts suggest that the investigation could lead to formal charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, pending the outcome of ACB’s inquiry.
If proven, the allegations could further dent the public image of AAP and raise serious questions about governance standards within the party’s leadership.