Classrooms turned into multipurpose halls without approvals; LG Saxena greenlights inquiry against ex-PWD engineer into 2019 irregularities.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, June 12, 2025: Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has approved disciplinary proceedings against S.R. Meena, a former Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), for alleged irregularities in the construction of classrooms under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan during the previous AAP-led government. Meena, currently serving with the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) in Amritsar, will face action under Rule-14 of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1965.
The decision follows findings of serious lapses in a centrally sponsored project aimed at strengthening educational infrastructure in Delhi. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, which had allocated ₹38.37 crore for the construction of 226 classrooms across various schools, came under scrutiny after funds were found to have been diverted and misused.
According to the Directorate of Vigilance (DoV), which initiated the disciplinary proposal, Meena was involved in diverting funds earmarked for 20 classrooms at Trinagar School to Rani Bagh School, where a multipurpose hall was constructed instead — and without obtaining the required approvals. The move violated basic administrative protocols and ignored established procedures for government-funded construction projects.
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The issue first came to light after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Social Jurist, a civil rights group, was taken up by the Delhi High Court on June 11, 2019. The PIL sought possession of six newly constructed school buildings. Following the court’s intervention, the then Chief Secretary ordered an internal probe, revealing glaring inconsistencies in fund utilization and construction planning.
A formal committee was set up on March 26, 2024, to investigate the lapses. The committee’s report, submitted on May 9, 2024, pointed to negligence by both the PWD and the Education Department. It highlighted that decisions about construction were taken without proper feasibility studies, leading to site-related complications. Additionally, land allocated for construction was not entirely free from encumbrances, resulting in instances of double funding.
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The then Education Minister, Manish Sisodia, and his department were also faulted for failing to assess school infrastructure needs adequately. The report stated that the absence of thorough ground-level verification contributed to the eventual mismanagement of project implementation.
While proceedings have been recommended against Meena, another official involved, Krishan Pal, has been spared action due to his retirement, which renders the case time-barred under civil service rules.
The disciplinary proposal has been backed by the Principal Secretary (Vigilance) and the Chief Secretary. Authorities say it sends a clear message about accountability in public infrastructure projects, especially those involving critical sectors such as education.
