Delhi's Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has approved disciplinary proceedings against a former Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), S.R. Meena, concerning irregularities in the construction of classrooms under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. This central government initiative aimed to improve Delhi's educational infrastructure, with a budget of ₹38.37 crore allocated for constructing 226 classrooms across various schools.
The decision to initiate disciplinary action follows a proposal from the vigilance department and has been endorsed by both the Principal Secretary (Vigilance) and the Chief Secretary. The alleged misconduct dates back to 2019. Currently, S.R. Meena is serving with the CPWD in Amritsar.
The case was brought to light by a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the Delhi High Court in mid-2019, which sought the court's intervention to direct the government to hand over possession of six newly constructed school buildings. This litigation prompted the Chief Secretary to investigate the matter, revealing significant irregularities in construction practices and fund management.
The investigation revealed several lapses on the part of the PWD. Funds were allegedly diverted from one school to another, and instead of classrooms, halls were being constructed. A lack of proper feasibility analysis and failure to provide unencumbered land for construction led to double funding for projects. A survey conducted by the PWD before preparing the list of schools where additional classrooms were to be constructed was deemed inadequate, and tenders were allegedly floated without assessing the actual requirements.
The Directorate of Vigilance (DoV) served show cause notices to 24 PWD engineers in July 2024, giving them 14 days to submit their replies. The complaints of irregularities were also examined by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), which reported the construction of 1,214 toilet blocks against the requirement of 160, resulting in an extra expenditure of ₹37 crore. The DoV also claimed that the construction cost exceeded the initially advised limit of ₹1,200 per square foot, reaching ₹2,292 without proper approval.
These developments have spotlighted long-standing issues within the Education Department, particularly concerning the management of educational infrastructure and accountability. The disciplinary proceedings against S.R. Meena are set under Rule-14 of the Central Civil Services Rules from 1965, indicating the seriousness with which the matter is being treated.
The case has also drawn attention to the roles of former AAP ministers Manish Sisodia and Satyendra Jain, who were summoned by the Anti-Corruption Branch earlier in the week regarding allegations of financial irregularities of around ₹2,000 crore in the construction of over 12,000 classrooms and semi-permanent structures in Delhi's government schools.
The irregularities uncovered highlight the challenges in ensuring transparency and accountability in government projects, particularly those related to education. The ongoing investigation and disciplinary actions aim to address these issues and prevent future mismanagement of funds allocated for improving educational infrastructure in Delhi.
