AAP's Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain Summoned in Alleged Delhi School Classroom Scam
Delhi's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has summoned AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in connection with an alleged ₹2,000 crore scam involving the construction of classrooms in government schools. The FIR, filed on April 30, cites financial irregularities and inflated costs. Sisodia, former Finance and Education Minister, and Jain, former PWD Minister, face questioning over lapses flagged by the Central Vigilance Commission. AAP has called the summons a "calculated political ploy" by the BJP.
Unpacked:
Allegations include awarding contracts at inflated rates—classrooms cost around ₹24.8 lakh each, nearly five times the usual cost. Procurement rules were bypassed: consultants and architects were appointed without due procedure, and cost escalations were carried out through them. The cost per square foot was much higher than market rates, and many contracts were awarded to parties linked with AAP leaders.
The CVC became involved after the Delhi government's vigilance directorate recommended a probe. Its audit found that tenders were awarded at ₹860 crore, but actual costs deviated by 17% to 90%, resulting in escalations totaling ₹326.2 crore. Additional expenditures included work done without proper tender and extra spending on toilet blocks.
AAP has called the summons a "calculated political ploy" by the BJP, alleging that the accusations and timing are politically motivated to damage the party’s image and disrupt its leadership. The party maintains that the classroom construction was transparent and aimed at improving public education.
Both Sisodia and Jain have faced previous investigations and arrests related to alleged corruption during their tenure as Delhi ministers. Sisodia was previously arrested in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, and Jain has faced money laundering allegations. Both deny wrongdoing, attributing the cases to political vendettas.