Aam Aadmi Party / Will AAP's troubles increase? Corruption exposed in CAG report

Aam Aadmi Party: Cases of corruption have been revealed in many departments during the tenure of Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi. Serious financial irregularities have been exposed in the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and the Directorate of Vigilance (DOV) of the Delhi government. According to these reports, there has been large-scale corruption in the Education Department and the Public Works Department (PWD), in which financial irregularities of up to Rs 1300 crore have come to the fore.

Irregularities in construction of classrooms in schools

According to the DOV report, serious corruption and irregularities were carried out during the construction of 2405 classrooms in 193 schools. This report has been submitted to the Chief Secretary of Delhi, recommending a detailed investigation by a special agency.

Main allegations

• Violation of tender process: Contractors were allowed cost escalation of more than Rs 500 crore without any open tender.
• Extra payment: There was an additional financial burden of Rs 205.45 crore in the construction works.
• Improper contractor selection: Contractors were paid more than the tender amount without proper approval.
• Unnecessary construction of toilets: 1214 toilet blocks were constructed despite the requirement of 116 toilet blocks, leading to an extra expenditure of Rs 37 crore.
• Incomplete projects: Several construction works were left incomplete while they were shown as complete.
• Abnormal increase in cost of construction: The estimated cost of construction of classrooms was increased by 17% to 90% after tendering.
• False reporting: In some cases toilet blocks were shown as classrooms.

Suspicious role of private individuals in corruption

The report mentioned that a private firm, "M/s Babbar and Babbar Associates," influenced government decisions and interfered in the project without any official appointment. These individuals attended a meeting in the chamber of the then PWD minister on June 21, 2016 and extra expenditure of Rs 205.45 crore was incurred based on their suggestions.

Role of CVC and other agencies

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) had sought a report from the DOV on the matter in February 2020, but the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government kept it suppressed for about two and a half years. Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena ordered an inquiry into this delay in August 2023, after which the matter came to light.

Conclusion

The CAG and DOV reports clearly show that there was large-scale corruption in the PWD and Education departments during the tenure of the Delhi government. There have been incidents of extra expenditure without approval, manipulation of the tender process, incomplete construction work, and misuse of government funds. This case not only reflects financial irregularities, but also confirms negligence and violation of rules at the administrative level.