officers-face-action-over-kejriwal-s-house-renovation

Two officers have been suspended and five others are facing disciplinary action over the renovation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence on Flag Staff Road, Civil Lines. The controversy began when the Vigilance Department scrutinised the project's expenditure and procedures last year.

 

According to a recent directive from Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena to the CPWD, two Central Public Works Department officers, Executive Engineer Vinay Chaudhary and Assistant Engineer Rajat Kant, have been suspended. Disciplinary measures, ranging from suspension to proceedings, have been recommended against five other officers who are now under CPWD jurisdiction, despite some having retired or transferred out of Delhi.

 

This action follows a year-long process that started with show-cause notices issued to all seven officers. The Vigilance Department raised concerns about the expenditure and the procedural steps taken for the renovation, which includes the residence where Kejriwal's family resides alongside his camp office.

 

Among those recommended for action are retired officers such as A K Ahuja, former Principal Chief Engineer, and Shibnath Dhara, former Executive Engineer (Central and New Division). They face disciplinary proceedings for alleged 'wasteful expenditure' amounting to approximately Rs 53 crore on the renovation project.

 

In response to the allegations, A K Ahuja clarified that he retired before the project began and emphasised that decisions regarding demolition were made by higher authorities, not him.

 

The project saw significant expansions and additional expenditures, including ornamental enhancements and the use of expensive materials like Burma teak wood, which raised questions about adherence to established norms and the approval process for structural changes.

 

The Vigilance Department's scrutiny revealed that despite categorising the construction as an addition and alteration, a completely new building was erected without proper survey reports or approved building plans. The department has urged the CPWD to promptly submit an 'action taken report' regarding the matter.

 

This development underscores ongoing concerns over procedural lapses and overspending in government projects, prompting calls for transparency and accountability in public expenditures.