L-G approves action against PWD engineer for irregularities in classroom construction
Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena has approved a proposal to initiate disciplinary proceedings against a senior Public Works Department (PWD) engineer for alleged irregularities in the construction of classrooms under the Central government's Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, a Raj Niwas official said on Thursday.
The accused officer, S.R. Meena, a former executive engineer, is currently serving with the Central Public Works Department in Amritsar, he added.
'This decision follows serious irregularities identified in the implementation of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, a Centrally sponsored initiative aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure in Delhi, which was allocated ₹38.37 crore for the construction of 226 classrooms across various schools,' said the official.
The action has been taken after a public interest litigation filed in the Delhi High Court on June 11, 2019, sought a directive for the government to hand over possession of six newly constructed school buildings. The litigation revealed significant irregularities in construction practices and fund management, the official said.
The then Chief Secretary constituted a committee on March 26 last year to examine the issues. The committee's findings revealed lapses on the part of the PWD, including the diversion of funds intended for the construction of 20 classrooms at Trinagar School to Rani Bagh School and the construction of a multipurpose hall without obtaining the necessary approvals.
The Vigilance Department's proposal to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Meena under Rule-14 of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, has received endorsement from both the Principal Secretary (Vigilance) and the Chief Secretary, the official said.
The Anti-Corruption Branch of the Delhi government has also summoned AAP leaders and former Delhi Ministers Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in the case.
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