L-G gives nod to initiate action against PWD ex-engineer over irregularities in construction of classrooms in Delhi
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved a proposal from the Directorate of Vigilance to start disciplinary proceedings against a former executive engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD) over alleged irregularities and fund mismanagement in the construction of 226 classrooms under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
According to a statement shared by the L-G house on Thursday, the engineer has been transferred out of Delhi and is currently posted with the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) in Amritsar, Punjab.
This decision follows alleged irregularities identified in the implementation of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, a Centre-sponsored initiative aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure in Delhi, which was allocated Rs 38.37 crore for the construction of 226 classrooms across various schools, said officials.
'The situation escalated when a public interest litigation titled Social Jurist, a Civil Rights Group v/s GNCTD and Ors. was filed in the Delhi High Court on June 11, 2019, seeking a directive for the government to hand over possession of six newly constructed school buildings…,' an official added.
After the PIL was filed, officials said, the then Chief Secretary probed the matter, during which significant 'irregularities in construction practices and fund management' were uncovered.
A committee was also constituted in this matter last year in March to examine the matter. 'The committee's findings, reported last year in May, revealed several 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 multi purpose hall without obtaining the necessary approvals. Furthermore, the PWD failed to promptly address site issues, making decisions that lacked proper authority and oversight,' said officials.
'The misconduct in question dates back to 2019, but the case against another officer is considered time-barred due to his retirement from government service. The DOV's proposal has received endorsement from both the Principal Secretary (Vigilance) and the Chief Secretary,' the official added.
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