Delhi's Former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia Summoned Again in Classroom Construction Scam

Second Summons Issued to Manish Sisodia

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has issued a second summons to Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, in connection with an alleged ₹2,000 crore classroom construction scam. Previously, Sisodia was scheduled to be questioned at the ACB office on Monday, but he failed to appear due to personal reasons. In this case, former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain was summoned on June 6 and was interrogated by the ACB.

Details of the Allegations

On April 30, the ACB filed an FIR against Jain and Sisodia, alleging that during the previous AAP government, 12,748 classrooms and buildings were constructed at inflated costs in Delhi. Sisodia served as the Education Minister, while Jain was responsible for the Public Works Department (PWD). The ACB noted significant discrepancies and cost escalations, stating that not a single project was completed within the stipulated timeframe.

Improper Procedures and Cost Increases

The FIR indicated that the appointment of consultants and architects was made without following proper procedures, leading to inflated costs. The ACB claimed that classrooms were constructed at an exorbitant rate of ₹8,800 per square foot, while the average cost for residential flats is around ₹1,500 per square foot. According to the tender, the total cost for constructing each classroom was approximately ₹24.86 lakh, whereas similar rooms could typically be built for about ₹5 lakh in the national capital.

Background of the Investigation

This case came to light in 2022 when the vigilance directorate of the Delhi government recommended an investigation into the alleged scam during Sisodia and Jain's tenure, submitting a report to the Chief Secretary.