Delhi CM residence case: The Directorate of Vigilance issued show cause notices to Public Works Department (PWD) officials on Monday in connection with the alleged misuse of public funds in the renovation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s government accommodation. The resident of Delhi CM is situated on 6, Flagstaff Road in Civil Lines.
The notice has been issued to the chief engineers concerned and other Public Works Department officials. In the notice, all seven officers of the PWD have been asked to explain as to ‘why disciplinary action should not be initiated against them’ for the lapses and irregularities. The officers of the PWD have been given 15 days time to respond to the notice.
Rs 45 cr spent on 'beautification' of CM Kejriwal's house
According to the Delhi government's Vigilance Directorate "factual report," the renovation of the Delhi CM's residence incurred a total cost of Rs 52.71 crore. The cost of Rs 52.71 crore included Rs 33.49 crore spent on the construction of the house and Rs 19.22 crore on a camp office for the Chief Minister.
Amid allegations of irregularities in renovating the chief minister’s official residence levelled by the BJP and highlighted by the media, Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) VK Saxena directed Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar in April to secure all the relevant files and submit a factual report.
The report, signed by Special Secretary (Vigilance) YVVJ Rajasekhar, was submitted to the LG on May 12, a day after the Supreme Court gave executive control over services matters in Delhi to the AAP government.
According to the report, the PWD had initially estimated that the construction would incur a cost of Rs 15-20 crore. The first tender of Rs 8.61 crore was awarded in October 20, 2020 and it did not mention the construction of a new building.
Several new proposals for additions and alterations were subsequently made, which increased the scope of the work in terms of both the built-up area and the plinth area. The additional cost was necessitated because of superior specifications in all the components, including a modular kitchen, a pantry, a wardrobe and a laundry, the report said. It also pointed out that the construction work was undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic against a 2020 order of the finance department that mandated expenditure of an emergency nature only.
