FIR filed against Manish Sisodia, Satyendra Jain in Rs 2000-crore classroom scam

NEW DEHI: The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has registered a case against former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and former minister Satyendra Jain, alleging corruption in the construction of classrooms at exorbitant costs. The investigation reveals a massive scam worth approximately Rs 2,000 crores in the construction of 12,748 classrooms during the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's tenure in Delhi.
ACB Chief, Joint Commissioner Madhur Verma, confirmed the registration of the FIR and stated that the investigation is ongoing.

The construction of semi-permanent structure (SPS) classrooms, designed with a 30-year lifespan, was allegedly carried out at a cost equivalent to that of RCC classrooms, which have a 75-year lifespan. This resulted in no apparent financial benefit. The project was reportedly awarded to contractors with ties to AAP without following the proper procedure.
"Significant deviations and cost escalations were observed, and not a single project was completed within the prescribed time period. The consultant and architect were appointed without following proper procedures, and cost escalations were carried out through them," said Verma.
Chief Technical Examiner Report
The Chief Technical Examiner’s report from the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) pointed out several anomalies in the project. However, the report was kept under wraps for about three years.
Case Registration
The case was registered after receiving permission under Section 17-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act from the competent authority. The investigation aims to uncover the extent of corruption and identify those responsible for the alleged irregularities, officials added.